Simple and Delicious One-Pot Pasta

In this article, we will walk you through the steps to make a delicious one-pot pasta dish that is simple yet satisfying. This recipe focuses on creating an easy meal with minimal preparation time, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or casual family gatherings.

The key ingredient in this dish is one-pot pasta, which simplifies the cooking process and saves you time. You won't need to worry about multiple pots; everything comes together in a single pot! This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it ideal for a small family or as a side dish for larger groups.

Ingredients Required

• 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or any other short pasta)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped finely
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

To begin, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the pasta to it and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onion for about 5 minutes or until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Add the cooked pasta back into the pot along with the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried oregano, and salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes or until the flavors meld nicely together.

Finally, taste your dish and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or parsley before serving hot. Enjoy your homemade one-pot pasta!

Cooking Time

Total cooking time for this simple yet hearty meal is approximately 30 minutes: About 15 minutes are spent on preparing the dish, including boiling water and cooking pasta; another 10 minutes for simmering everything together. The actual cooking time can be shortened depending on how quickly your stove reaches the desired temperature.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve immediately while still warm with a side salad or crusty bread to enhance the overall dining experience.
2. To add more protein, consider adding grilled chicken breast or shrimp cooked separately and added into the pasta shortly before serving.
3. If you prefer creamier consistency, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream towards the end of cooking.

Additional Tips for Success

Ensure that your vegetables are fresh; this will significantly impact the quality and taste of your dish. Also, do not overcrowd your pot when boiling pasta; doing so might cause it to stick together which ruins the texture entirely.

Lastly, always taste early in the cooking process. Salt enhances flavor but remember that too much salt can overpower other flavors present in your meal.

Conclusion

This simple one-pot pasta recipe serves up a comforting and nutritious dinner option suitable for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. Its simplicity allows you to focus more on enjoying the process rather than stressing over complicated techniques. Whether you're looking for something quick during busy weekdays or want to impress guests with impressive yet straightforward cooking skills, this dish delivers satisfaction every time.