Easy One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables

This recipe for Easy One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables is a simple yet delicious meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes and serves four people comfortably. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual lunches, this dish provides a perfect balance of pasta, veggies, and a savory sauce. Let’s dive into how you can easily prepare this nutritious and comforting meal at home.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) of your favorite pasta (penne or fusilli work best)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or your favorite pasta cheese

Instructions:

1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. According to package instructions, add the pasta and cook until al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes depending on the type you choose.

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in another pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion along with two cloves of minced garlic and sauté until the onions become translucent and slightly golden, about 5 minutes.

3. Once you have softened your onions, add the sliced bell pepper to the same pan. Stirring occasionally, allow it to cook alongside the onions for another few minutes until they start to soften as well. Then stir in the cherry tomatoes and broccoli florets. Let these vegetables simmer gently until they are just tender but still vibrant.

4. Drain the cooked pasta and immediately pour it into the pan with the vegetables, tossing everything together over low heat for a couple of minutes to allow flavors to meld nicely. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

5. Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese liberally throughout. This adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances both pasta and vegetable components seamlessly.

Enjoy your hearty, home-cooked meal! If desired, you can also top individual servings with additional parmesan if you prefer more richness in the dish.

Cooking Time: Approximately 30 minutes including prep time and cooking time.
Servings: 4

Tips & Variations

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p>If you're looking to add some extra dimensions to this basic recipe, consider these suggestions:

• Add a few tablespoons of chicken or vegetable broth for extra depth.
• Substitute the pasta type (e.g., penne for fusilli).
• Incorporate other vegetables such as zucchini slices or green beans.
• For variety, you could include protein sources like diced chicken breast or shrimp.

This versatile dish offers numerous opportunities to customize based on your taste buds and pantry staples. It's also ideal for incorporating leftovers; leftover cooked pasta or even cold noodles can be used in this one-pot meal without much modification.