Delicious One-Pot Pasta: A Quick and Easy Meal

One-pot pasta has become increasingly popular for its convenience and versatility in creating quick, satisfying meals. This simple yet delicious recipe combines various flavors to produce a rich-tasting dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

The cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, and it serves four people generously. Here's how you can prepare this meal:

Ingredients

• 1 pound of penne pasta
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in another medium-sized pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes or until soft.
3. Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining it completely. Drain the pasta and add it back into the pot along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the drained pasta, followed by the cherry tomatoes and dried basil. Mix everything together well.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until all ingredients are combined smoothly.
7. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
8. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. You can adjust consistency by adding some reserved pasta water if needed.
9. Once satisfied with the texture and seasoning, serve immediately while hot. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and a rich texture.

Tips & Variations

• You can enhance this dish by adding cooked chicken breast or shrimp into the pasta mixture during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking time.
• For a creamier texture, you could use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. However, note that the flavor profile will differ slightly due to its lower fat content.
• If you prefer a more robust sauce, consider adding some red pepper flakes towards the end for a bit of heat.

One-pot pasta is not only enjoyable but also very affordable. It requires minimal preparation effort yet delivers great results with hardly any cleanup required. The versatility of this dish allows you to experiment based on your preferences or available ingredients in your pantry. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner solution, or planning a simple family gathering, this recipe offers an excellent option.

To ensure that your one-pot pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are some additional tips:

• Water and Salt Amounts: Make sure you use enough water to cover the pasta properly; typically about 6-8 cups of salted water for one pound of pasta. This helps in achieving al dente texture.
• Cooking Time: Always check your pasta towards the middle of its cooking time since pastas like penne can sometimes undercook if left too long.
• Reserving Pasta Water: Reserving a cup or two of pasta water before draining ensures that starches from the pasta help thicken and enrich your sauce.

The delightful combination of flavors in this dish makes it suitable for various occasions, whether you're having a casual dinner at home or entertaining friends. Feel free to customize it further by incorporating seasonal vegetables or herbs into the mix. Bon Appétit!