Delicious One-Pot Pasta: A Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Looking for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both easy on your time and delicious? Then you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’ll walk you through how to make a simple yet satisfying one-pot pasta dish. This recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending all evening in the kitchen.

This one-pot pasta has it all—rich flavors, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles. The best part? It only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for those nights when you just want a great meal without much hassle! Serve this up with a side salad or garlic bread for an even more substantial meal.

Ingredients

• Pasta (we recommend penne)
• Ground meat (such as Italian sausage, lean ground beef, or turkey)
• Fresh garlic (minced)
• Onion (diced)
• Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream or milk (optional)
• Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
• Olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Meat

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat along with minced garlic and diced onions. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including browning time for the meat)

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet along with your choice of tomato sauce or diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine everything evenly.

If desired, you can also add heavy cream or milk for a richer sauce consistency. Continue cooking on low heat while stirring occasionally until the flavors meld together and the sauce coats the pasta nicely—this step takes around 5-7 minutes more.

Season with salt, pepper, and freshly chopped parsley to taste. Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese if you like extra flavor.

Servings: 4

Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes total

Tips for Success

• For even cooking, make sure the pasta is drained properly before adding it to the skillet with the meat mixture.
• If using ground meat such as sausage or turkey, ensure they are fully cooked through to avoid any risk of undercooked food.
• The more you stir during the last stages of cooking, the better the sauce will coat your pasta. This ensures every bite gets that perfect combination of flavors!

Why Choose One-Pot Pasta?

One-pot meals like this one are incredibly convenient and efficient for busy nights. You don’t need to worry about prepping multiple dishes or having separate pots for different ingredients; everything comes together in one vessel! Plus, cleaning up afterward is a breeze because there’s only one pot to wash.

Making your own pasta sauce adds depth that store-bought versions simply can't match. Even simple adjustments like adding a bit more cream or experimenting with herbs can turn this into something truly unique each time you make it!

Conclusion

This easy one-pot pasta recipe is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. Whether you're looking for an economical meal that won’t break the bank or just want to impress guests, this dish fits all these needs perfectly. With minimal effort and ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying dinner in no time.

Give it a try tonight! Your taste buds will thank you for this simple yet wonderful culinary creation.

Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes