Easy One-Pot Pasta

Looking for a delicious and quick pasta dish that can be prepared in one pot? Look no further than this easy one-pot pasta recipe! This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal, requiring minimal effort but delivering big flavor. If you're short on time or just want something comforting, this pasta will satisfy your craving.

This one-pot pasta comes together in about 20 minutes and serves four people generously. You can customize the recipe to your taste by adding extra veggies or proteins like chicken, sausage, or shrimp if desired. The key ingredients are simple: penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

Begin by sautéing your garlic in some olive oil until it begins to turn golden brown. Add the cherry tomatoes next, letting them soften slightly before tossing in the uncooked pasta. Stir everything together well so that every piece of pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce. Finally, add a splash of water and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes.

The pasta absorbs all those wonderful flavors from the tomato and garlic mixture as it cooks. Once done, stir in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well incorporated. Serve immediately while still warm to enjoy each bite at its best.

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 16 ounces cherry tomatoes (about 3 cups)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese to taste

To prepare this dish, gather all your ingredients and begin by preheating your oven if you prefer cooking in a skillet. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and starts turning golden brown. This step ensures that the garlic doesn’t burn which can lead to an unpleasant taste.

Once the garlic is ready, add in the cherry tomatoes. Stir continuously as they break down into a juicy sauce. After about 5 minutes, reduce heat slightly since you want the tomatoes to release their natural juices without burning. Next, throw in your penne pasta. For even cooking, make sure not to overcrowd your pan; this means adding the pasta gradually if necessary.

Now comes the fun part - adding water! Just enough so that it covers the pasta by about half an inch. Cover and let everything simmer together for approximately 10 minutes or until the pasta reaches al dente consistency. During this time, occasionally stir to prevent sticking but mostly leave it alone as cooking times will vary slightly depending on your specific type of penne.

Afterward, remove from heat and immediately toss in plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you have any leftover ingredients or want more flavor, feel free to add them now like fresh basil leaves or additional garlic for extra zest!

Cooking Time

This dish takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

Servings

Four generous servings can be enjoyed per batch of this easy one-pot pasta.

One-Pot Pasta is not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta, such as fusilli or spirals, if you prefer a change from the traditional penne. You could also incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into the mix for added nutrition and color.

This simple yet flavorful dish can be paired with various sides such as crusty bread or green salads to create delightful combinations that suit different dietary preferences. Whether you're a seasoned cook looking for new ideas or just someone searching for an effortless meal solution, this one-pot pasta is sure to become a favorite in your household.

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p>Enjoy cooking and eating your delicious homemade one-pot pasta! It's a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty yet quick dinner without spending hours slaving over the stove. Remember that the key to success here lies in timing - ensure you check on the pasta towards the end of its cooking time to avoid overcooking it.