Easy One-Pot Pasta Recipe: A Quick Family-Friendly Dinner

One-pot pasta recipes have become increasingly popular in the kitchen, offering a convenient way to prepare a hearty meal that is both quick and delicious. Today’s recipe focuses on creating an easy one-pot pasta dish that can be ready in less than 30 minutes with just three main ingredients plus some vegetables for extra flavor.

Not only does this dish save time by cutting down on dishes, but it also ensures that all the flavors blend together beautifully. The key to success is choosing high-quality ingredients and following simple steps carefully.

Cooking Time: 25 Minutes

Number of Servings: 4 generous portions

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (about 450 grams) pasta
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped finely
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces or about 411 grams)
• 1 package of frozen peas
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add salt and your chosen pasta. Cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in another skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Then, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute longer until fragrant.
3. Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain it but keep aside a cup of pasta water before pouring out the rest of the boiling water from the pot.
4. Pour the sautéed onions mixture into the same pot where you have drained your pasta. Stir well and let this combine with the pasta.
5. Add diced tomatoes and frozen peas to the pasta-pot-onion mixture, stirring gently so as not to break up the tomato pieces too much. Season generously with salt and pepper, taste, then adjust flavors if necessary by adding more salt or pepper based on personal preference.
6. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes allowing the flavors to meld harmoniously without letting it boil vigorously which might cause pasta to become mushy instead of al dente.
7. Once done, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over top if desired. Serve immediately while still hot as a main course or side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish.

Tips for Success:

Using a generous amount of pasta water can help thicken the sauce and bring all flavors together smoothly. You may want to add more pasta water if needed until you reach your desired consistency. Additionally, don't overcrowd your pan when cooking vegetables; ensure they have enough space so that they cook evenly without sticking or burning.

To make this dish even more nutritious and satisfying, consider adding other vegetables such as zucchini slices, bell peppers strips, or spinach leaves. These can be added at various stages during the preparation process depending on how long each vegetable takes to cook properly. For instance, delicate greens like spinach should be added last since they wilt quickly upon contact with heat.

Enjoy Your Meal!

This simple yet flavorful one-pot pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners when time is limited but you still want to provide your family or friends with a delicious and wholesome meal. Not only does it taste great, but it also offers an excellent opportunity to spend quality time in the kitchen cooking together as a team. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out learning how to cook, this dish will impress even those who don't consider themselves "cooking experts."