Quick & Easy One-Pot Pasta

One-pot pasta dishes have become incredibly popular due to their convenience and versatility. With just one pot, you can create a delicious meal that’s packed with flavor and texture. This quick and easy recipe for One-Pot Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces (about 4 cups) rotini pasta
• 1 can (15 ounces) of tomatoes, preferably crushed or diced
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Optional: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)

Cooking Time: Approximately 20 minutes.
Servings: Serves 4-6 people

Steps to Make One-Pot Pasta:

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally.

2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute or two. The garlic should be fragrant but not burned.

3. Now, toss in the rotini pasta. Cook for a few minutes until the pasta is slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. It’s important not to overcook at this stage as you want the pasta to finish cooking later when added to the sauce.

4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and water into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Season with dried basil, salt, and pepper according to your taste preference.

5. Cover the pot and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite) and the sauce has thickened slightly. The pasta should not be overly soft; you want some texture left.

6. If using Parmesan cheese as a garnish, sprinkle it on top before serving. Alternatively, you could also add fresh basil leaves right at this point for an extra burst of flavor.

Why Choose One-Pot Pasta?

The simplicity and speed of one-pot pasta make it highly desirable among home cooks who are either short on time or looking to reduce the number of dishes they need to wash after dinner. Plus, it allows for creative customization based on personal preferences – whether you prefer a mild tomato sauce with herbs, a spicy chili version, or something entirely different altogether!

One-pot pasta also encourages portion control and balanced meals since the vegetable content from the tomatoes naturally adds vitamins while the protein from the pasta provides sustained energy. It’s easy to tailor this dish according to dietary needs too; simply swap out certain components for gluten-free alternatives if needed.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh ingredients whenever possible; they will enhance both flavor and texture significantly.

One-Pot Pasta is not only quick but also incredibly adaptable to individual tastes and dietary requirements. Whether you're a beginner chef or an experienced cook looking for simplicity in your busy life, this dish offers everything from speed of preparation to taste satisfaction.

Enjoy your home-cooked meal whenever time doesn't allow for more elaborate dinners! This recipe is sure to become a favorite among the whole family due to its ease and delicious results. Try experimenting with various types of pasta or adding different vegetables to suit your mood and nutritional goals.

To sum up, One-Pot Pasta stands out as an excellent choice if you're searching for convenient yet flavorful recipes that cater to both novice cooks and experienced ones alike. Its versatility makes it a go-to option when you want something comforting without taking much effort or time.