Quick and Easy One-Pot Pasta Primavera

One-pot pasta dishes have gained a lot of popularity in recent years due to their ease of preparation and the satisfaction they bring to your mealtime. This quick and easy one-pot pasta primavera is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don't have much time or energy to spend in the kitchen.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) small pasta shells, or any short pasta of your choice
• 1 cup (about 90g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions:

Boil a large pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

In the meantime, in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Add both bell peppers to the skillet along with half of the cherry tomatoes, stirring frequently so they don’t burn. Continue cooking until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain some bite – approximately another 5 minutes.

Once the pasta is done, reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining it. Drain the pasta and add back into the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

If needed, add some reserved pasta water or extra olive oil until you reach desired consistency in your one-pot dish. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

For finishing touches, sprinkle fresh basil over each serving of pasta primavera, along with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese if using (optional).

Nutritional Information:

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals from the vegetables used. It also provides a good source of fiber due to the high vegetable content and the whole grain pasta used. The olive oil adds heart-healthy fats, but remember this should be balanced with other meals throughout the week.

Health Benefits:

Eating this primavera dish regularly can contribute positively towards maintaining a healthy diet as it is low in calories yet packed full of nutrients from vegetables and whole grains. The combination of fiber, antioxidants found naturally within the ingredients helps support digestive health, immune function, and overall well-being.

Tips for Success:

1. Ensure proper rinsing after boiling pasta to prevent excessive starch buildup which could interfere with sauce absorption later on.
2. Adjust seasoning based on personal preference; some may like more garlic or heat from a dash of hot pepper flakes.
3. Parmesan is traditional but can be omitted if lactose intolerance concerns exist. Use nutritional yeast instead for that cheesy flavor without dairy.

This one-pot pasta primavera recipe demonstrates how simple yet impactful certain combinations of ingredients can be when creating a meal that everyone will love. Whether you're having guests over or simply enjoying dinner alone, this dish is sure to please and satisfy any appetite!