Quick & Easy One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables

One-Pot Pasta with Vegetables is a simple yet delicious meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes and serves up to four people. This dish combines the comforting flavors of pasta with fresh vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (about 1 pound) elbow macaroni or any other pasta shape
• 4 cups chopped mixed vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Fill a large pot with water and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In another pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables along with minced garlic, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
3. When the pasta is done cooking, strain it and add directly into the skillet where you cooked the vegetables. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Serve immediately, topped with fresh basil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cooking Time:

The total cooking time for this dish is approximately 30 minutes.

Number of Servings:

This recipe yields about 4 servings.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: Approximately 567 kcal, Protein: 18g, Carbohydrates: 93g, Fat: 18g. The exact numbers may vary depending on the specific type of pasta and vegetables used.

Why Choose One-Pot Pasta?

Pasta dishes are beloved by many because they’re versatile, satisfying, and can be customized to suit various dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a quick meal or something heartier that will stick with you throughout the day, one-pot pasta is an excellent choice.

Benefits of Eating Vegetables:

Vegetables are packed full of essential vitamins and minerals which contribute significantly to overall health. By incorporating mixed vegetables into your dish, such as carrots for beta-carotene, zucchini rich in vitamin C, bell peppers providing plenty of vitamin A and C, and onions offering antioxidants - you're getting a nutritional punch with every bite!

Customizing the Dish:

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity yet flexibility. Feel free to experiment by adding different types of pasta or vegetables based on what's seasonal or available locally. You could also substitute part of the vegetable mix for some mushrooms, increase the garlic amount if you like it stronger, or add more herbs according to your taste preference.

Tips For Success:

1. Ensure that when adding pasta back into the skillet after boiling, there's enough space so that it doesn’t stick together during cooking. Stir frequently while heating up to prevent clumping.
2. Avoid overcrowding your pan; cook in batches if necessary to maintain even cooking temperatures.
3. To enhance flavor further, consider using low-sodium broth instead of plain water when boiling the pasta.

Storage & Leftovers:

If you have any leftovers after dinner, store them properly refrigerated within 2-3 days. For best quality though, consume soon after preparation.

Conclusion:

A quick and easy one-pot pasta with vegetables offers an effortless yet tasty meal option that fits into busy schedules while providing wholesome nutrition. Experimentation is encouraged to make this dish uniquely yours - enjoy creating delicious meals at home!