Quick and Easy One-Pot Pasta

Looking for a quick and simple pasta dish that won't take up too much time in the kitchen? Our One-Pot Pasta Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknight dinners where you want something delicious without spending hours cooking. This pasta meal is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying, making it a favorite among food lovers of all ages.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients Needed:

• 200g penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g peeled tomatoes or one 400g can of diced tomatoes (preferably with basil and oregano)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnishing (optional)

This one-pot pasta recipe is designed to be a simple yet flavorful meal. The secret to this dish's success lies in the balance of flavors and textures, which can be achieved easily with just a few ingredients.

Instructions:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, add the finely chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown and softened, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute or two until fragrant but not burnt. Garlic should provide a rich aroma without overpowering the dish's overall taste.
3. Next, stir in peeled tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes with basil and oregano (if using fresh tomatoes, add them towards the end of cooking). Stir well to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly into the sauce.
4. Add sugar; this helps balance out acidity from the tomatoes while enhancing natural sweetness. Continue stirring until the tomato mixture begins to thicken slightly.
5. Season with salt according to your preference; keep in mind that it can be adjusted later if needed.
6. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to boil for cooking pasta. Salt the boiling water before adding penne pasta so that it flavors each strand thoroughly as they cook.
7. Cook the penne al dente following package instructions. This means keeping them slightly firm when you bite into them; otherwise, it's overcooked and mushy. Drain immediately after reaching this desired texture.
8. Return drained pasta to the same pot containing the tomato sauce. Toss together gently until each noodle is well coated with sauce.
9. If using fresh basil leaves, sprinkle them generously on top just before serving for extra freshness and color.
10. Serve hot straight from the pot if you prefer it that way!

One-Pot Pasta is versatile enough to accommodate various dietary preferences. For instance, substituting some or all of the penne with whole wheat pasta adds fiber while maintaining its hearty quality. Alternatively, adding different vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms enhances both nutritional value and texture variety.

Tips for Perfect Results:

• Ensure proper salting at each step - start by seasoning the water used to cook pasta first; then, enhance flavors during sauce preparation before finally considering whether more salt might be required overall.
• Adjust the amount of sugar according to taste. Some people prefer less sweetness than others do depending on personal preference or regional cuisine styles.
• Experiment with adding different types of herbs like thyme or rosemary for unique flavor profiles.

Conclusion:

The One-Pot Pasta Recipe offers a delightful mix of simplicity and sophistication, allowing home cooks to enjoy homemade pasta without the hassle of multiple pots or elaborate preparations. With its balanced blend of ingredients, this dish promises both comfort and satisfaction every time you prepare it. Whether served as part of a larger meal or enjoyed alone, this recipe caters beautifully to busy lifestyles seeking quick yet tasty solutions.