Easy One-Pot Pasta with Marinara Sauce

Searching for a quick, delicious pasta dinner that can be made in one pot? Look no further! This One-Pot Pasta with Marinara Sauce is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you need a comforting meal. The cooking time is approximately 25 minutes and serves four people.

To start preparing your One-Pot Pasta, gather the following ingredients:

• 300 grams of spaghetti
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes
• Salt to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Begin by boiling a large pot of water. Once it's at a rolling boil, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Typically, this takes about 8-10 minutes. While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce.

In a separate pan over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the diced tomatoes, oregano, and season with salt to taste. Let this mixture simmer gently on low heat while your pasta continues cooking.

After about 10 minutes (or when the pasta is al dente), drain the spaghetti leaving some of the cooking water behind. This starchy water will help thicken the sauce as you combine it back into the pot with the pasta and marinara sauce. Pour in the warm pasta along with any remaining cooking liquid, stirring everything together until well combined.

If desired, add a splash more tomato juice or water to achieve your preferred consistency. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and color, which adds a vibrant touch to an already mouthwatering meal.

One-Pot Pasta is incredibly versatile; you can also experiment by adding various vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. Another option would be substituting the spaghetti with other types of pasta such as penne or fusilli for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

The health benefits of this dish are quite substantial, thanks to its rich source of complex carbohydrates from whole grain pasta, along with essential vitamins and minerals present in the marinara sauce. It’s also low in fat if you choose to use extra virgin olive oil instead of regular olive oil. For those watching their sodium intake, ensure that you use fresh garlic rather than pre-minced varieties which often contain added salt.

One-Pot Pasta with Marinara Sauce is not only easy on your waistline but also convenient for meal prep. You can portion out individual servings and store them in the fridge or freezer. To reheat, simply place one serving into a microwave-safe container covered with plastic wrap and heat up until piping hot.

Cooking this dish at home allows you to control the quality of ingredients used, eliminating processed additives found in many pre-packaged pasta dishes. By mastering this simple yet satisfying recipe, you’re on your way toward healthier eating habits without sacrificing taste or convenience.

Tips for Perfect Results

For best results, ensure that the garlic is finely minced and added at the beginning of the cooking process so it infuses nicely into the sauce. Also, don't overcrowd your pan when combining the pasta with the marinara; this prevents burning and ensures even heating throughout.

To add some extra zing to your dish, consider incorporating capers or pine nuts during the final stages of cooking. Both these additions can elevate both flavor and texture significantly. Capers add a tangy bite while pine nuts introduce a nutty aroma and delightful crunch into every mouthful.

Conclusion

One-Pot Pasta with Marinara Sauce is more than just another pasta dish; it's your ticket to simplicity, satisfaction, and savings all rolled into one delicious package. Its versatility means there’s always room for creativity whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking for something quick during a busy weeknight.