Healthy and Delicious One-Pot Pasta

Looking for a quick and nutritious dinner? Try this Healthy and Delicious One-Pot Pasta recipe that is sure to satisfy your taste buds without compromising on health! This dish requires minimal ingredients, easy preparation, and cooks up in under 30 minutes. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. The perfect choice if you're looking for something light yet satisfying!

Ingredients

1 pound (454g) of your favorite pasta (we recommend penne)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz/410g) of diced tomatoes
2 cups (about 8 ounces/226g) of fresh spinach leaves
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
A dash of red pepper flakes (optional, for more heat)
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Healthy and Delicious One-Pot Pasta:

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
In the meantime, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onions until they are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute or two until fragrant.
Add the tomatoes to the skillet along with the dried basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine. Let this simmer on low heat while you finish cooking your pasta.
Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it back into the skillet containing the tomato sauce mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly so that each piece of pasta gets coated with the flavorful sauce.
Mix in the spinach leaves; they should wilt immediately due to heat from the pasta. Continue stirring until all ingredients are well integrated and heated through.
Finally, season with additional salt if needed and serve hot, topped with some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor (optional).

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Note: This information will vary slightly depending on the specific pasta brand you choose, but here is a rough estimate assuming typical ingredients used.

Calories: ~400 calories
Total Fat: ~8g
Saturated Fat: ~1.5g
Total Carbohydrates: ~72g
Fiber: ~6g
Sugars: ~3g
Protein: ~15g
Sodium: ~400mg (adjust based on salt used in cooking)

Benefits of Healthy and Delicious One-Pot Pasta:

This recipe promotes heart health thanks to the use of olive oil, which contains beneficial monounsaturated fats. The tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, folate, and dietary fiber - all essential for maintaining good health.

Moreover, this dish offers convenience without sacrificing quality. Preparing it involves fewer steps compared to traditional multi-course meals but still delivers a complete nutritional profile that supports overall well-being.

Tips & Variations:

To make it even healthier, you can use whole grain pasta instead of regular pasta. Whole grains contain more fiber which aids digestion and promotes fullness.
If you prefer a creamier sauce, consider adding heavy cream or evaporated milk towards the end of cooking to thicken it up slightly.
Add your favorite proteins like grilled chicken breast, shrimp, or sausage for a protein-packed meal. Just ensure they're cooked separately beforehand so as not to overcook them while reheating pasta and sauce together.

p>This Healthy and Delicious One-Pot Pasta recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something wholesome yet delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Feel free to customize it according to your preferences; after all, cooking should be enjoyable!