Easy One-Pot Pasta Dinner

One-pot pasta dinners have become incredibly popular among busy cooks due to their convenience and versatility. This easy one-pot pasta recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy a delicious meal in no time at all.

This dish is perfect for those looking for an effortless yet satisfying meal, especially during the week when you're short on time but want something hearty and tasty. The key ingredient that brings this dish together seamlessly is your favorite pasta. You can choose from classic options like spaghetti, penne, orzo, or even something more exotic like fusilli.

The cooking process for this recipe doesn't take long; approximately 20 minutes should be enough to prepare a satisfying one-pot pasta dinner. For two servings, you'll need about half a pound of pasta and a variety of vegetables, along with some basic ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes.

To start preparing your one-pot pasta dish, first cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. While it's still slightly firm to bite, this pasta will continue cooking after you add other ingredients. Drain the pasta but save about half a cup of the starchy water from boiling to thin out the sauce if needed.

Next, heat a large pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Once heated, add finely chopped garlic along with a pinch of red pepper flakes for some extra heat (optional). Let it sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 2 minutes.

• Mix in canned crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce to create the base of your sauce. Add salt and ground black pepper according to taste.
• Throw in your choice of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or spinach, which will add color and nutritional value to your meal. Stir everything together until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Once all the ingredients have been combined, toss them with the cooked pasta and stir well so that every strand gets coated in the flavorful sauce. If necessary, thin out the sauce with a little of the starchy pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serving this one-pot pasta dinner is simple - just divide it between two plates or bowls and enjoy hot off the stove! A side salad or some crusty bread can complement the meal nicely too, but it's also perfect on its own for a quick lunch or dinner. This versatile dish allows you to mix and match ingredients based on what you have in your pantry.

One-pot pasta dinners like this one are not only convenient due to their simplicity but also because they can be tailored to fit various dietary preferences, such as vegetarian or low-carb diets depending on the vegetables used. They're a great way to use up leftover ingredients and create a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

For those interested in making this dish more elaborate while keeping it quick and easy, consider adding protein sources like chicken, shrimp, or even tofu into your pasta mixture towards the end of cooking. Cheese can also be sprinkled over top as an optional garnish for extra flavor and richness.

Cooking time: Approximately 20 minutes

Number of servings: Two

This versatile dish is perfect for busy nights when you need a meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing on taste or nutrition. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunchbox addition, or something to enjoy with family and friends, this one-pot pasta recipe delivers all the goodness packed into one simple yet delicious serving.