One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!) is a delightful dish that combines convenience with incredible flavor. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. With just one pot and 20 minutes, you can create a hearty meal that pleases the whole family. The simplicity of this dish, alongside its fresh ingredients, makes it a standout choice for pasta lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Prepare a delicious meal in just 20 minutes with minimal effort.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cook everything in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Packed with Flavor: Fresh tomatoes and herbs create a vibrant taste that impresses.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit everyone’s taste.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will both enjoy.
Tools and Preparation
To make this One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!), you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly during the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wide skillet or pot
- Wooden spatula
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Wide skillet or pot: Allows for even cooking and makes it easier to stir the pasta.
- Wooden spatula: Perfect for gently mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for consistent results.
Ingredients
One of the best pasta recipes that takes 20 minutes to make in one pan. Throw all the ingredients in a pot or pan and dinner is ready for the entire family!
For the Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 14 oz. fresh tomatoes (diced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
For the Pasta
- 1 tablespoon chopped Italian basil
- 8 oz. spaghetti
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For Topping
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
How to Make One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
- Heat oil in a wide skillet, pan, or pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for about 3 minutes or until they start to brown.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped Italian basil, and spaghetti.
- Press the spaghetti down with a spatula to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cook for about 8 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. If it’s not fully cooked after 8 minutes, add more chicken broth as needed and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 4: Final Touches
- Uncover the lid, add salt according to taste, and turn off the heat.
- Top with shredded Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving immediately.
Enjoy your One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)—a simple yet delicious dish that’s sure to become a staple at your dining table!
How to Serve One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
One Pot Pasta is not only quick to prepare but also versatile in how you can serve it. This dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors.
With Garlic Bread
- Toasted slices of garlic bread are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce from the pasta.
With a Fresh Salad
- A light green salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pasta.
With Grilled Vegetables
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a healthy touch.
With Extra Parmesan
- Offer extra shredded Parmesan cheese on the side for those who love a cheesy finish.
With Wine Pairing
- A glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish beautifully while adding a touch of elegance.
How to Perfect One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
Perfecting your One Pot Pasta can elevate this simple meal into something extraordinary. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out great every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and herbs enhance the flavor significantly compared to canned varieties.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Monitor the pasta closely as different brands may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
- Experiment with Broths: For deeper flavor, try using homemade chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of store-bought.
- Add Proteins: Consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to make it heartier and more filling.
- Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking for maximum flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the pasta to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps absorb any remaining liquid.
Best Side Dishes for One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
Pairing your One Pot Pasta with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese.
- Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned with garlic and olive oil for a crunchy side.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze makes a vibrant accompaniment.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overwhelming flavors.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, cured meats, and marinated vegetables provides variety and texture.
- Minestrone Soup: A hearty vegetable soup that complements the pasta’s flavors while providing warmth.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms stuffed with breadcrumbs and herbs serve as delightful finger food.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini lightly sautéed can be served alongside or under the pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making One Pot Pasta can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
Not using enough liquid: When cooking One Pot Pasta, it’s crucial to have enough broth. If not, the pasta can become dry or undercooked. Always ensure the pasta is submerged in liquid.
Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the onion and garlic enhances their flavors. Don’t rush this step! Take the time to cook them until they are golden brown for a richer taste.
Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long will make it mushy. Keep an eye on the cook time and test for al dente texture as suggested in the recipe.
Using a narrow pot: A wide skillet or pot allows even cooking for your One Pot Pasta. If your pot is too small, break the spaghetti in half before adding it to the pot.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: The salt content can vary based on your chicken broth. Taste your dish before adding more salt to avoid over-seasoning.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use within 3-5 days for best quality.
Freezing One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
- Portion into freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of broth and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making One Pot Pasta that can help enhance your cooking experience.
What makes this One Pot Pasta recipe special?
This One Pot Pasta stands out because of its quick preparation and minimal cleanup while delivering rich flavors that everyone loves.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While spaghetti is used here, feel free to substitute with other shapes like penne or fusilli. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on pasta type.
How do I customize my One Pot Pasta?
You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers, or proteins such as chicken or shrimp for added flavor and nutrition!
Is One Pot Pasta healthy?
This recipe includes fresh ingredients like tomatoes and herbs, making it a nutritious option compared to many take-out meals.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!) is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients based on what you have at home. Give it a try; you’ll love how effortlessly delicious dinner can be!
One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!) is the ultimate solution for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. In just 20 minutes, you can create a comforting meal using fresh ingredients and minimal cleanup. This all-in-one pasta dish combines sautéed onions, garlic, and ripe tomatoes with spaghetti cooked directly in savory chicken broth, resulting in a deliciously aromatic experience. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want an easy meal at home, this recipe is versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins. Enjoy a delightful dinner that’s both satisfying and hassle-free!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup onion (chopped)
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 14 oz. fresh tomatoes (diced)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz. spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon chopped Italian basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic for about 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped basil, and spaghetti. Press the pasta down to ensure it’s submerged.
- Cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for about 8 minutes or until al dente, adding more broth if needed.
- Uncover, season with salt to taste, and turn off the heat. Top with Parmesan cheese and parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
