Easy One-Pot Pasta with Marinara Sauce

Looking for a simple yet delicious pasta recipe that can be made in one pot? Look no further than this easy one-pot pasta with marinara sauce! This meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and comforting. The total cooking time is approximately 25 minutes, making it ideal for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal.

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of your favorite pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional but highly recommended for extra flavor)
• 2 cups of marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

To start the dish, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it is boiling, add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Typically, this will take around 8-12 minutes depending on the type of pasta you choose.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce base in another pot over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of olive oil, then sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they become translucent. If desired, add sliced mushrooms at this point for a richer flavor and deeper color. Cook them together with the onions and garlic until soft.

After approximately five minutes, pour in the marinara sauce into the pot along with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer while you finish cooking your pasta. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it thoroughly by lifting out all the noodles from the water using a slotted spoon or colander.

Return the drained pasta back into the boiling water used earlier to cook the pasta. Stir in the pasta with the marinara sauce mixture, ensuring that every piece of pasta gets coated evenly with the sauce. Let this combination sit for another minute so flavors meld together nicely before serving.

Serve hot and garnish each plate with some fresh basil or parsley if desired. This dish is versatile enough to serve as a main course alongside a simple salad on the side, or even just by itself for an indulgent lunch. It pairs well with crusty bread if you have any leftovers from another meal.

The beauty of this one-pot pasta lies in its simplicity and how easily it can be customized based on personal preferences and what ingredients are available at home. Whether you prefer whole grain noodles or use regular pasta, experiment by adding different vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the nutritional value further.

One key tip is to ensure that your marinara sauce isn't too watery; otherwise, the pasta might absorb all the flavor without proper texture. Also, keep an extra serving of pasta nearby should anyone want seconds! With minimal effort and ingredients readily found in most kitchens, this dish brings joy every time it's prepared.

With its appealing taste profile and straightforward preparation method, one-pot pasta with marinara sauce remains a fan favorite among home cooks seeking quick yet satisfying meals. Its adaptability allows for endless variations, ensuring there’s always something new to try next time you whip up this comforting classic. So why not give it a shot? You might find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again!