Easy One-Pot Pasta Recipe: A Quick Dinner Solution

One-pot pasta dishes have become incredibly popular among busy individuals and families looking for a quick yet satisfying dinner option. This versatile dish requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it perfect for those nights when you simply want to sit down and enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle of multiple pots or utensils. If you're in search of a simple one-pot pasta recipe that delivers big flavor with little effort, this article will guide you through creating an easy yet impressive dish.

Ingredients Required for Easy One-Pot Pasta

• 500 grams (1 pound) of your favorite pasta type (penne, fusilli, or spirals work best)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of your choice of vegetables (optional: zucchini slices or spinach leaves)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
• 3 tablespoons of lemon juice (optional but enhances the dish greatly)

Instructions for Easy One-Pot Pasta

To start, bring a large pot filled with water to a boil. Salt the water generously and add the pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. This should take about 7-10 minutes depending on your specific type of pasta.

Meanwhile, in another skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent. Stir frequently so that the onions do not burn. Once they reach a golden color, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 30 seconds before adding cherry tomatoes.

Mix well in the skillet with the onions and garlic, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to simmer down slightly while continuing to cook the pasta until it reaches the desired firmness. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly but do not rinse since we want all that starchy water to help bind everything together.

Transfer the drained pasta back into the pot where you sautéed your onions and tomatoes, adding any remaining liquid from the pasta cooking process. Stir in the basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper according to personal preference. If desired, add the optional vegetables or spinach at this stage. Pour over enough hot water from the drained pasta to create a sauce consistency that you prefer.

For extra richness and depth of flavor, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top before serving if you like a bit more creaminess in your dish. Optionally, finish by drizzling lemon juice across each portion for an added burst of freshness.

Cooking Time & Servings

This easy one-pot pasta recipe typically takes around 25-30 minutes to prepare and serves four people comfortably as a hearty main course or side dish. Adjust the quantity of ingredients based on how many servings you need; simply multiply each ingredient by the number of portions required.

Why This Recipe is Perfect

The appeal of this easy one-pot pasta lies in its simplicity combined with outstanding flavor profile. By using fresh, high-quality produce and minimal spices, each bite provides a satisfying balance of sweet, tangy, savory flavors that work together beautifully. Additionally, preparing meals like these helps minimize kitchen cleanup since everything is done in just one pot!

<

p>Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with an effortless yet elegant meal, this easy one-pot pasta recipe promises to deliver delicious results every time. Experiment with different types of pasta, vegetables, and herbs according to your tastes to keep things interesting!