Delicious One-Pot Pasta Recipe

Looking for a quick and easy pasta dish that is both satisfying and delicious? This one-pot pasta recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need something simple yet tasty! In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating a hearty pasta meal that can be ready in just 20 minutes. The result: creamy pasta with tender vegetables and a rich sauce.

Ingredients

To make this scrumptious one-pot pasta dish, gather these ingredients:

8 ounces of your preferred pasta (we recommend penne or fusilli)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped finely
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups canned tomatoes, crushed or diced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Cooking Time: 20 minutes, Servings: 4-6 people

Steps to Prepare Your One-Pot Pasta

This dish is made in a single pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience. Follow these simple steps to prepare the pasta:

Boil the Pasta: Start by filling your large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add salt according to taste preference (about 1 teaspoon per quart of water). Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente or to your preferred doneness, usually about 8-10 minutes for most types.
Prepare the Sauce: While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté them until they become translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
Mince Garlic: Once your onions have softened slightly, add minced garlic to the pan and cook for another minute or two. Be careful not to let it burn; the goal is to infuse the flavor without making it bitter.
Add Tomatoes: Pour in crushed or diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Simmer this mixture for about 5 more minutes until slightly thickened but still pourable.
Combine Pasta with Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta into a large mixing bowl or back into your pot if you're using one big vessel (the same one used earlier). Toss the drained pasta into the saucepan with the tomato mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta evenly.
Creamy Touch: Finally, stir in heavy cream until well incorporated and the consistency has thickened slightly. Let this simmer for another few minutes to allow flavors to meld together nicely.
Serve Immediately: Plate your pasta dishes with plenty of grated Parmesan if desired. Serve warm straight away while it's still hot from cooking.

Tips and Variations

This basic recipe can be customized based on individual preferences or available ingredients in your kitchen.

Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, etc., chopped into small pieces. These will cook alongside the pasta and sauce during final steps.
Fresh Herbs: You can also experiment with different herbs like basil or parsley instead of dried oregano for additional freshness.
Cheeses: Other cheeses like mozzarella could be added after cooking if you prefer a more melted effect on top rather than stirred into the sauce.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

The calorie count and macronutrients for each serving of this dish are approximately as follows:

Calories: ~350 per serving
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 12g

About One-Pot Dinners

One-pot meals are popular among those seeking convenience and simplicity in their cooking. They require minimal preparation time, clean up is easier as there’s only one dish involved instead of multiple utensils or pans. Additionally, they are particularly useful for those who need balanced diets but don't have much time during the week to prepare elaborate dishes.

One-pot pasta recipes such as this one provide a good balance between nutritional value and taste appeal. The combination of whole grains in form of pasta along with fresh vegetables makes it quite healthy too! With just 20 minutes investment, you get an elegant meal that satisfies your hunger pangs without compromising on flavor or nutrition.