Quick & Easy One-Pot Pasta Recipe

Looking for a quick and easy one-pot pasta dish? This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal. With minimal prep work involved, you can have your pasta ready in under 30 minutes! This versatile dish comes together with just a few ingredients, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced cooks alike.

Ingredients needed for this one-pot pasta:

• 200 grams of penne or any pasta of your choice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced finely
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 300 grams of fresh cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time: Approximately 25 minutesNumber of Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat up the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant but not browned.
2. Add the diced onions to the pot along with the fresh cherry tomatoes. Continue cooking until the onions are soft and translucent. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently so that the vegetables don't stick to the bottom of the pot.
3. While you're waiting for your vegetables to cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Once it’s boiling vigorously, add in approximately 200 grams of penne or any type of pasta according to personal preference. Be sure not to overcrowd the pot; if necessary, cook the pasta in batches.
4. When your vegetables have softened and are almost done cooking, drain the cooked pasta and reserve about half a cup of pasta water. Return the drained pasta back into the pot where you're preparing the sauce. The pasta should still be slightly al dente—firm but tender enough to bite through easily.
5. Pour the reserved pasta water back into the pot with the vegetables and mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Season with salt according to taste and let it simmer for another couple of minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or even a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor.
6. At this point, add some freshly torn basil leaves on top as garnish (optional) before serving hot directly from the pot.

Nutritional Information:

This quick and easy one-pot pasta contains essential nutrients that are beneficial to overall health. Pasta itself provides carbohydrates which serve as energy for our body, while fresh tomatoes contribute to vitamin C intake known for boosting immune systems. Garlic adds antioxidants believed to reduce inflammation, and onions offer various minerals needed by the human body.

Customization Ideas:

To make your dish even more unique and appealing, here are a few simple customization suggestions:

• Add some cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Incorporate different vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to add variety in terms of texture and flavor profile.
• Use different herbs like oregano or parsley instead of basil based on what you have at home.

Conclusion:

This quick and easy one-pot pasta recipe is a simple yet delightful meal that everyone will love. It requires minimal effort and preparation time, ensuring satisfaction without compromising quality. Whether it's for dinner or lunch the next day, this dish offers convenience along with taste.