Easy and Flavorful One-Pot Pasta

One-pot pasta recipes offer a quick, convenient, and delicious option for busy weeknight meals or casual family dinners. This recipe highlights the versatility of pasta by combining it with vegetables, cheese, and herbs in one pot. Perfect for those looking to save time but still enjoy a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) of your favorite pasta
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 cups fresh spinach or kale
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving if desired
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Romano cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 2: In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in oregano and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 3: Add halved cherry tomatoes to the pot and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.

Step 4: Add drained pasta back into the pot along with reserved cooking water. Stir in heavy cream, spinach or kale, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until the sauce is heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Serve immediately in bowls garnished with grated Romano cheese if desired.

Cooking Time

Total preparation and cooking time: Approximately 20-30 minutes. Cooking the pasta alone can take about 10 minutes, while preparing the sauce takes around 15 additional minutes once the pasta is cooked.

Servings

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

• Calories: ~600 per serving
• Fat: ~35g
• Sodium: ~1000mg
• Total Carbohydrates: ~47g
• Dietary Fiber: ~8g
• Sugar: ~8g
• Protein: ~25g

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on ingredient choice and serving size. For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat pasta or substituting part of the cream with milk.

Tips for Success

1. If you prefer your sauce to be less watery, add fewer vegetables such as spinach instead of kale which may release more liquid into the dish.
2. For those who like extra flavor without heat, omit the red pepper flakes entirely. If you enjoy spiciness, increase the amount according to taste.
3. To make this meal lighter yet maintain its rich flavor profile, consider using low-fat cream or a non-dairy substitute such as almond milk.

One-pot pasta dishes like this can be modified easily depending on what ingredients you have available. Feel free to add additional vegetables, meats, or even seafood if you wish to experiment further! This versatile recipe not only caters well for vegetarian palates but also pairs beautifully with various types of meat, turning it into a complete meal.

Conclusion

A simple yet satisfying one-pot pasta dish is perfect for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can create a comforting, nourishing dinner that will impress both family members and friends alike.

Additional Ideas

For added variety, try different types of pasta like penne or fusilli. You could also explore adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to enrich the flavor profile. For a more substantial meal, consider incorporating chicken breast strips or shrimp into your dish.