When you’re craving a delicious, comforting meal but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen or deal with a sink full of dirty dishes, one-pot pasta is the answer. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or whenever you want something quick, hearty, and full of flavor. Best of all, it uses minimal ingredients and requires just one pot, so cleanup is a breeze!

Why One-Pot Pasta?

The beauty of one-pot pasta lies in its simplicity. All the ingredients — from the pasta to the sauce to the seasonings — come together in a single pot, where they cook and meld to create a rich, flavorful dish. This means you don’t need to cook the pasta separately or worry about multiple pots and pans. The starch from the pasta actually helps thicken the sauce, making the dish creamy and satisfying.

Ingredients of One-Pot Pasta :

For a basic one-pot pasta, you don’t need much, but feel free to customize it to your liking. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

  • 8 oz of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli all work well)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (for that fragrant base)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth (for a flavorful liquid base)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra richness)

How to Make One-Pot Pasta:

  1. Sauté the Garlic: Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; you just want it softened and aromatic.
  2. Add the Tomatoes and Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable or chicken broth, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine everything into a smooth base.
  3. Bring to a Simmer: Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s bubbling, stir in your dried oregano or Italian seasoning, along with the optional red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
  4. Add the Pasta: Now it’s time to add the pasta. Toss it into the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. The pasta will cook directly in the tomato and broth mixture, soaking up all those wonderful flavors.
  5. Cook the Pasta: Lower the heat to a simmer and cook the pasta according to the package instructions (usually around 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick. As the pasta cooks, the liquid will reduce, thickening into a sauce.
  6. Check the Consistency: If the sauce is too thin, you can let it cook for a few extra minutes to reduce. If it’s getting too thick, just add a splash of water or extra broth.
  7. Finish and Serve: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or seasoning as needed. If you want to add some richness, stir in a bit of grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips and Variations:

  • Protein: Add some cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp to the pot for an extra boost of protein.
  • Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.
  • Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end to create a creamy sauce.
  • Cheese Lovers: Besides Parmesan, you can also add mozzarella or feta for a melty, cheesy finish.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Minimal Cleanup: One-pot meals mean fewer dishes to wash, making them perfect for weeknights when you’re tired of cleaning up after cooking.
  • Quick and Easy: This meal is ready in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
  • Customizable: With so many ways to tweak the recipe, you can make it as simple or as gourmet as you like.

In just one pot, you’ve got a delicious, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a whole family, this one-pot pasta is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy!

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