Easy One-Pot Pasta

Looking for an easy yet satisfying one-pot pasta dish? This simple recipe will not disappoint! In this article, we'll walk you through how to prepare a delicious and comforting pasta meal that can be on the table in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something quick but still full of flavor.

Ingredients needed for one serving (yielding two servings):

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
• 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking time: 30 minutes. Servings: 2.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparation: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil for cooking the pasta. While waiting for the water to heat up, prepare all your ingredients by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic if not already done.

Add the olive oil to the boiling water once it reaches a rolling boil. This will help prevent sticking as you add in the penne pasta. Once added, cook according to package directions until al dente (approximately 10-12 minutes). It's important not to overcook at this point since some of the cooking time is still left for the sauce.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet or saucepan, heat up your olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic towards the end when it's almost done to avoid burning the garlic which can give off an unpleasant flavor.

Once the pasta is cooked, use a slotted spoon or strainer to transfer most of it into your skillet containing the onions and garlic. Keep some cooking water reserved in the pot; this will help add a bit more body to your sauce when mixing back later on.

Sauce & Pasta Integration:

Mix together the drained pasta with the sautéed vegetables, adding in the cherry tomatoes (cut side down) and dried oregano. Season generously with salt and pepper according to taste preferences. If you like a creamier texture, consider incorporating some of that reserved pasta water or a splash more milk into this mixture.

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p>Allow everything to simmer together for about 3-5 minutes longer so all elements meld nicely before serving hot off the stove top. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan if desired but not necessary as part of this dish.

Tips For Perfect Results:

1. Ensure your pasta has a good amount of bite left; this will prevent it from becoming too mushy when mixed into the sauce.

2. The addition of garlic at the very end ensures its cloves do not get burnt which would impart an unpleasant taste to your dish.

3. Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of dried if possible; they add wonderful freshness and aroma that enhances overall flavor significantly.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

The nutritional breakdown per serving is approximately:

• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 15g
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Total Sugars: 9g
• Vitamin C: 10% Daily Value
• Calcium: 40% Daily Value

This simple yet delicious one-pot pasta dish is ideal for those looking to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this recipe delivers satisfying results every time.