Simple Yet Delicious One-Pot Pasta Recipe

Tired of boring pasta dishes that lack flavor? This one-pot pasta recipe is a game-changer! In just 30 minutes, you can serve yourself or your family a hearty, flavorful meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The key to this dish lies in using fresh ingredients and simple cooking techniques that enhance natural flavors. This recipe serves four people, making it ideal for small families or as part of a larger group dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Start by boiling your pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. This step usually takes around 8-10 minutes depending on the type and brand of pasta you are using.

Meanwhile, heat up the olive oil in another pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and oregano. Stir frequently until the onions become translucent.

Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan along with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes or until the tomatoes start breaking down into a juicy sauce.

Once your pasta is cooked, drain it well but reserve about half a cup of the cooking water (this will help the sauce thicken as you mix all components together). Next, add the drained pasta back into the same pot along with the tomato mixture. Stir everything thoroughly so that each strand of pasta gets coated evenly with the savory sauce.

If necessary, you can add more salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. At this point, if desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over top for extra flavor and texture.

For an added nutritional boost, feel free to use whole grain pasta instead of regular white spaghetti. Whole grains are rich in fiber which helps keep you full longer after eating, thus reducing cravings later on during the day.

This one-pot pasta dish is not only quick but also very easy to prepare. With minimal effort and ingredients commonly found at home kitchens, you can enjoy a delicious Italian-style meal anytime without spending much time or resources.

To make it even more appealing for picky eaters in your household, consider adding different types of vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini slices into the pot during the last few minutes before removing from heat. These veggies will add color and texture while also providing additional vitamins and minerals to each serving.

Another variation you might try is substituting half-and-half for some or all of the water when cooking your pasta. Half-and-half results in creamier sauce which pairs exceptionally well with rich-tasting pastas like penne or fusilli. Just remember that half-and-half adds extra calories so adjust accordingly if you're watching your waistline.

Finally, don't forget to garnish each bowl of this simple yet satisfying dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness and flavor. Serve immediately alongside crusty bread or garlic rolls for dipping into the sauce!

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p>This homemade one-pot pasta is not just about saving time; it's also about bringing families together around good food made from scratch. So next time you're craving something comforting yet nutritious, give this easy recipe a try!