Easy Weeknight Dinners: A Delicious One-Pot Pasta Recipe

Looking for a quick, simple dinner that you can throw together in under 30 minutes? This one-pot pasta recipe is the perfect solution! It combines fresh ingredients with minimal effort to create a satisfying and delicious meal. Whether you're a busy parent, working professional, or just someone looking for an easy weeknight meal, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) linguine or any pasta of choice
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided use
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz/ 395g) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 oz (85g) fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
• Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
• Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven with a lid, bring 6 cups of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté the garlic and onion for about 3 minutes, or until they are soft but not browned.
3. Add the sautéed garlic and onions to the boiling water along with the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let this mixture simmer gently for around 10 minutes to allow all flavors to meld together nicely.
4. Once the pasta is done, drain it directly into your pot or Dutch oven containing the sauce. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and toss everything together until fully combined.
5. Add the fresh mozzarella cubes and let them warm through in the sauce for about 2 minutes.
6. Remove from heat immediately before serving so that the cheese doesn’t get too melty. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan or Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer a more robust flavor profile, consider adding some chopped fresh parsley at the end of cooking for extra freshness. For vegetarians, feel free to leave out the mozzarella altogether and add another half cup of crushed tomatoes instead. You can also experiment by substituting the pasta with different types such as fusilli or penne.

This recipe is not only easy but incredibly versatile too! Feel free to adjust quantities based on how much you want to prepare. It pairs wonderfully well with a simple green salad and garlic bread if you'd like to add more to your meal selection. Additionally, leftovers from this dish are fantastic for lunch the next day – simply heat them up again, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and enjoy.

Health Benefits

This easy one-pot pasta is rich in vitamins and minerals due to its array of vegetables and tomato-based sauce. The mozzarella provides calcium while whole grains like whole wheat linguine offer essential fiber needed for digestive health. It's a balanced meal that can be enjoyed as part of your weekly rotation or anytime you need something comforting yet nutritious.

Moreover, because it is made with just a few ingredients, you know exactly what goes into each bite which makes it healthier than many restaurant options. By preparing meals at home like this one-pot pasta, families are able to make better nutritional choices for themselves and their children without sacrificing taste or convenience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this one-pot pasta recipe is an excellent choice if you're searching for a fast yet flavorful dinner. Its simplicity ensures that even those with limited time can still produce something truly special at the end of their cooking session. Try out this versatile dish today and see how easily it can become a staple in your weekly menu rotation.

Enjoy your meal!