Quick & Healthy One-Pot Pasta: A Deliciously Simple Meal

Looking for a quick yet healthy one-pot pasta recipe? This article will walk you through creating a scrumptious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a light weekend meal. Our keyword throughout the article is "quick & healthy one-pot pasta."

When time is of the essence, this simple pasta dish is your go-to solution. You’ll be amazed by how quickly and easily it comes together, all while providing you with a nutritious and satisfying meal. Let's dive into what ingredients you'll need and the step-by-step process to create this delicious one-pot pasta.

Ingredients:

• 250 grams of your favorite pasta (penne or elbow macaroni)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped finely
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (400g)
• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• A handful of fresh spinach or kale
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended for extra flavor)

Tools You'll Need:

• A large pot with a lid
• A wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or fork to stir the pasta without breaking it too much

Cooking Time: 20 minutes (including preparation time)

Servings: This dish will serve 4 people comfortably.

Instructions:

1. Start by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt for flavor. Once the water is boiling, carefully drop in the pasta pieces. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 10 minutes for penne or elbow macaroni.

2. Meanwhile, heat up your olive oil in another saucepan over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan, stirring frequently. Let these ingredients sweat together until they become translucent and fragrant.

3. Add a can of diced tomatoes along with two cups of vegetable broth into the same pan. Stir well so that all components are thoroughly mixed. Bring this mixture to a simmer; let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

4. Once your pasta has reached its desired doneness, use tongs or a fork to gently transfer it into the saucepan with the tomato mixture. Stir everything well to ensure that every strand of pasta gets coated evenly with the savory sauce.

5. Let this final combination cook for another 5 minutes while continuing to stir occasionally. Season generously with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste, making sure you hit your ideal level of seasoning perfection!

6. To finish off, add a handful of fresh spinach or kale into the pot right before removing it from heat. This adds an extra burst of vitamins and minerals along with some freshness.

7. For extra flair (and flavor), sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over top once everything has cooled slightly enough to handle without burning yourself. Serve immediately, either straight out of the pot or portioned onto individual plates if preferred.

This quick & healthy one-pot pasta is not only easy on your time but also incredibly tasty too! It's a great way to get dinner on the table fast when you're short on time. Plus, with its combination of whole grains from the pasta and vegetables packed full of vitamins and minerals, it’s an excellent choice if you're looking for something nutritious as well.

Try experimenting with different types of pasta or adding various vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to change up your usual routine. The possibilities are endless! With just a few simple ingredients combined in under 20 minutes, this recipe truly embodies the essence of simplicity and deliciousness. So go ahead—treat yourself to this wholesome yet delightful meal today!