One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!) is a delightful meal that combines convenience and taste in just one pan. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavors. With fresh ingredients and minimal cleanup, you’ll find this recipe a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means you spend less time washing up and more time enjoying your meal.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a delicious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your family’s tastes.
- Family-Friendly: With its simple flavors and comforting texture, One Pot Pasta is sure to please everyone at the table.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wide skillet or pot
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Wide skillet or pot: A larger surface area allows for even cooking of the pasta and prevents overcrowding.
- Spatula: Essential for stirring ingredients and ensuring the pasta is submerged in broth without breaking it.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best flavor balance in your dish.
Ingredients
To create this amazing One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!), you will need the following:
For the Pasta Dish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 14 oz. fresh tomatoes (diced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped Italian basil
- 8 oz. spaghetti
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
How to Make One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious One Pot Pasta that your family will love.
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Heat oil in a wide skillet, pan, or pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes until they begin to brown.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped Italian basil, and spaghetti to the pot.
- Press down on the spaghetti with a spatula to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid.
- If needed, break the spaghetti in half if your pot isn’t wide enough.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cook for about 8 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
- If necessary, add a bit more chicken broth and cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Uncover the lid once done cooking.
- Add salt to taste before turning off the heat.
- Top with shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving immediately.
Enjoy this delightful One Pot Pasta with family or friends—it’s sure to become a favorite!
How to Serve One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
Serving One Pot Pasta is simple and versatile. This dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of sides and garnishes to enhance its flavor.
Classic Garnishes
- Fresh Basil: Add freshly torn basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle some for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Zest: Grate lemon peel over the top to brighten the dish.
Complementary Proteins
- Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken adds protein and heartiness.
- Shrimp: Toss in sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Italian Sausage: Crumbled Italian sausage brings robust flavors.
Accompanying Breads
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread for dipping and savoring every bite.
- Focaccia: Soft, herb-infused focaccia pairs well with the pasta sauce.
How to Perfect One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
To achieve the best results with your One Pot Pasta, follow these helpful tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Adjust Liquid Levels: If you prefer saucier pasta, add more chicken broth as needed.
- Stir Occasionally: Gently stir during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Customize Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like oregano or thyme for extra depth.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
Pairing side dishes with your One Pot Pasta can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement this delicious recipe.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing is a refreshing accompaniment.
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables brings out their natural sweetness.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil adds brightness to the table.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze makes a delightful starter.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli balances the richness of the pasta dish.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, and cured meats offers variety and flavors that pair well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making One Pot Pasta, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes that can affect your dish.
- Using too much liquid: Adding excessive chicken broth can lead to soupy pasta. Stick to the recipe for the right balance.
- Not stirring enough: Failing to stir during cooking may cause pasta to stick. Give it a gentle mix halfway through for even cooking.
- Ignoring cooking time: Overcooking pasta makes it mushy. Keep an eye on the timer and test for al dente texture.
- Skipping seasoning: Neglecting salt can result in bland pasta. Always season your dish before serving for enhanced flavor.
- Not using fresh ingredients: Dried herbs and old vegetables lack flavor. Fresh ingredients elevate your One Pot Pasta remarkably.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and reheat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of broth, heat over medium-low while stirring until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding One Pot Pasta that might help you out!
What is One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)?
One Pot Pasta is a quick and convenient meal that combines all ingredients into one pan for easy cooking and cleanup.
Can I customize my One Pot Pasta recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or even proteins such as chicken or shrimp for added nutrition.
How do I know when the pasta is done?
Test the pasta after about 8 minutes of cooking. It should be al dente—cooked but still firm to bite.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat ingredients.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!) is not only quick but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences, making it a delightful choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Give it a try and explore various ingredient options!
One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!) is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights, offering a flavorful meal in just 20 minutes. This delightful dish combines fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and fragrant herbs with al dente spaghetti, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for family gatherings or a quick dinner, this recipe is easily customizable to suit your tastes—add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own. Enjoy a comforting, delicious meal that everyone will love!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 6 cloves minced garlic
- 14 oz. diced fresh tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped Italian basil
- 8 oz. spaghetti
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for about 3 minutes until browned.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped basil, and spaghetti. Press spaghetti down to submerge.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium-low; cook for about 8 minutes until al dente. Adjust with more broth if needed.
- Uncover, season with salt, and top with Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
