Easy One-Pot Pasta with Creamy Sauce

Looking for a simple yet delicious pasta dish that won't take all day to prepare? Say hello to your new go-to meal: One-Pot Pasta with Creamy Sauce! This recipe is not only quick and easy but also incredibly satisfying. The creamy sauce complements the al dente noodles perfectly, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or cozy weekend lunches.

One-Pot Pasta is a dish that has been around for quite some time, but its appeal continues to grow due to how simple yet tasty it can be. It's versatile in terms of what you can put into the pot and serve on top, allowing you to make adjustments based on your taste preferences or available ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of pasta (penne, fusilli, or any shape you prefer)
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped finely
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can of crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional but recommended)

Cooking Instructions

To make this dish, follow these straightforward steps:

1. Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic to the pot and stir for another minute or so. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring everything to a simmer. Let this mixture cook down slightly while you prepare your pasta.
5. Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked pasta back into the pot. Stir well to combine. If using heavy cream, mix it in now as well.
6. Salt and pepper according to your taste. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Cooking Time & Servings

This dish takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. It serves four people generously, so it's ideal for a family dinner or as part of a potluck meal.

One-Pot Pasta with Creamy Sauce is adaptable and can easily be customized based on your dietary needs or personal preferences. For example:

• To make the dish vegetarian-friendly, simply omit any meat products that may have been added to the sauce base.
• If you're watching your calorie intake, reduce the amount of heavy cream used, or replace it with milk.
• Add some protein like chicken, shrimp, or beef into the pot during step four for a more substantial meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dish excels in several ways. Firstly, its simplicity – you don't need many ingredients to create something truly special. Secondly, it’s incredibly flexible; you can alter the flavor profile based on what you have available or what you feel like having. Lastly, it's comforting and filling without being overly heavy.

For those days when time is short but hunger isn’t, this recipe provides a winning combination of convenience, taste, and nutrition. Whether you're in need of a quick dinner solution or just looking for something new to try, One-Pot Pasta with Creamy Sauce should be at the top of your list.

After enjoying this dish, you might find yourself wanting more creamy pasta dishes. If that's the case, consider trying out our other popular recipe: Chicken Alfredo Pasta. Both dishes are easy to execute and will leave you satisfied every time!

To sum up, if you're in search of a delightful and straightforward meal preparation method, One-Pot Pasta with Creamy Sauce is a fantastic choice. Its simplicity combined with rich flavors ensures that this dish becomes a regular fixture on your meal plan.