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One Pot Pasta: A Time Saving Delicious Lifesaver
One pot pasta is a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious and complete meal. This one-pot meal is not only simple to prepare, but it also saves on clean-up time, making it a great option for busy weeknight dinners. In this post, we will discuss the benefits of one pot pasta, share tips and tricks for making the perfect dish, and provide a recipe for a classic one pot pasta dish.
One of the main benefits of one pot pasta is simplicity. All you need is a large pot, a few basic ingredients, and 20-25 minutes of cook time. The pasta, sauce, and any additional ingredients are all cooked together in the same pot, making it a convenient and hassle-free meal. Additionally, one pot pasta is a great option for those who are looking for a budget-friendly meal. It uses minimal ingredients and can stretch a small amount of protein and vegetables to feed a crowd.
Another benefit of one pot pasta is that it allows for endless flavor combinations. You can use any type of pasta, sauce, and additional ingredients to suit your taste. For example, you can use a classic marinara sauce or a cream-based sauce, add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. Additionally you can add protein such as chicken or shrimp. The possibilities are endless.
Watch outs!
When making one pot pasta, it’s important to use a large pot with a heavy bottom to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. Also, be sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking and ensure that it cooks evenly. Another tip to consider is the use of the right type of pasta. Short pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best as they can be fully submerged in the sauce and cook evenly.
It’s also important to use the right ratio of liquids to pasta. A good rule of thumb is to use 4 cups of liquid (broth, canned tomatoes, cream) for every 1 pound of pasta. This will ensure that the pasta cooks evenly and has enough sauce to coat it. Additionally, using a can of diced tomatoes can add extra flavor and thickness to the sauce.
When it comes to seasoning, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect flavor combination. Classic herbs such as basil and oregano work well, but you can also try using others like thyme, rosemary. Conversely, you may even try chili flakes for a little extra heat.
Finally, to make the most of your one pot pasta, try to add some vegetables and/or protein to your dish. This will not only add extra flavor, but it will also make the dish more nutritious. You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions, and protein such as chicken or shrimp.
Complimentary Side Dishes
Here are some side dishes that can complement a one pot pasta meal:
- Garlic bread: A classic side dish that can be made with a baguette or sourdough bread, butter, and minced garlic. It’s perfect for dipping in the pasta sauce.
- Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a vinaigrette dressing can add a refreshing contrast to the pasta.
- Roasted vegetables: Roasting vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant can add extra flavor and nutrition to the meal.
- Grilled or sautéed vegetables: Grilled or sautéed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans can add a nice crunch to the meal.
- Roasted or sautéed mushrooms: mushrooms can add a rich and meaty flavor that complements pasta dishes.
- Grilled or sautéed protein: Grilled or sautéed chicken, shrimp, or even tofu can be added to the pasta to make it a complete meal.
- Breaded or Fried appetizers: Fried mozzarella sticks, fried zucchini or eggplant can be a nice addition to the pasta as well.
- Grilled or sautéed fish: Grilled or sautéed fish, such as salmon or tilapia can be a great source of omega-3s and a complement the pasta.
Did you know? Pasta facts from around the world 🌎 …
Pasta is a staple food in Italy, but it is also popular in many other countries around the world. In fact, pasta is the national dish of Italy, and it is enjoyed in many forms, from spaghetti to fettuccine and from macaroni to gnocchi.
- The Chinese have their own version of pasta, known as “chow mein” or “lo mein.” These dishes consist of wheat-based noodles that are stir-fried with vegetables and meat or seafood.
- In Japan, “udon” and “soba” are popular types of pasta. Udon is a thick wheat noodle, often served in a mild broth and soba is a thin, buckwheat noodle, often served cold with dipping sauce.
- In Korea, “japchae” is a popular dish that features sweet potato noodles, stir-fried with vegetables and meat.
- For those in the Middle East, “koshari” is a popular dish that is made with a combination of lentils, chickpeas, and macaroni, topped with a spicy tomato sauce.
- In Greece, “pastitsio” is a baked pasta dish that is similar to lasagna and made with ground meat, a béchamel sauce and macaroni.
- South Africans have “bunny chow” is a dish made of curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread.
- In the Caribbean, “fungee” is a dish made from cornmeal and okra, similar to polenta.
- In Latin America, “empanadas” are a popular dish made of dough filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, and can be fried or baked.
Lifesaver One Pot Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
This dish is a lifesaver on busy nights. Simply cook your pasta of choice in a pot with a can of crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, and any vegetables you have on hand. Add in some protein, like chicken or shrimp, and season to taste. One pot and 20 minutes later, dinner is ready!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Optional: diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions) and/or protein (such as chicken or shrimp)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add any diced vegetables or protein and cook until they are softened.
- Add the broth, diced tomatoes, cream, parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta. Stir the pasta to ensure it is completely submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Use a large pot with a heavy bottom to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom and to ensure that it cooks evenly.
To make the most of your one pot pasta, try to add some vegetables and/or protein to your dish.
Use the right ratio of liquids to pasta. A good rule of thumb is to use 4 cups of liquid (broth, canned tomatoes, cream) for every 1 pound of pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
This One Pot Pasta meal is efficient due to only having to use one pot for all the cooking. Another pasta cooking efficiency tip is to eliminate the need for a colander. Take a look at this pasta pot with a built in strainer in the lid!
Looking for other pasta dishes to consider? Try these options on for size.
Want to have a recipe published? Simply go to our Contact Page, scroll down and fill out the submission form. We look forward to reading about your favorite dishes!
