Effortless one-pot pasta: A delicious lifesaver for busy days

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes

One-pot pasta pecipe

Easy, quick, and delicious

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 12 oz (340g) of Linguine pasta
• 1 Onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of Garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 cups (480g) of Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup (120g) of Fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
• 4 1/2 cups (1L) of Vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons (30g) of Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup (240g) of Parmesan cheese, grated

Method

1. Add the linguine pasta, thinly sliced onion, thinly sliced garlic cloves, halved cherry tomatoes, and loosely packed fresh basil leaves into a large pot.
2. Next, drizzle the olive oil over the top of your cooking ingredients in the pot.
3. Now, season your mixture generously with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
4. Then, pour the vegetable broth over your prepped ingredients in the pot, making sure to cover them completely.
5. Heat the pot on the stove and bring it to a boil over high heat. It should reach a temperature around 204°C or 400°F.
6. Once your broth begins to boil, turn down the stove’s heat to low and let the pot simmer for about 10 minutes. Check to ensure the pasta is cooked to your liking.
7. During this simmering process, remember to stir the contents of the pot occasionally. This will prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
8. When the pasta is cooked to your satisfaction, turn off the heat and remove the pot from the stove. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top of your pasta.
9. Lastly, stir the pasta in the pot until the cheese melts and evenly coats your dish. Serve your tasty one-pot pasta immediately and enjoy!

Note: You can toss in some other vegetables or grilled chicken for additional flavor and nutrition.

A healthier take on one-pot pasta

Create a more nutritious version of one-pot pasta by incorporating a bounty of colorful vegetables. Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and garlic before adding them to the pot with the pasta.

Opt for whole grain pasta as it is richer in fiber and nutrients compared to the white versions.

Lastly, control the amount of salt and cheese, using them sparingly to maintain the robust flavor but reduce the sodium and calorie content.

Storing your one-pot pasta

One-pot pasta can be a real lifesaver for busy days, but how to store it is equally important. Refrigerate any leftovers within two hours in a sealed container, where it can last for up to 5 days.

If you still have plenty left over after 3 days, consider freezing it. Remember that when reheating, ensure it’s piping hot throughout to kill any potential bacteria.

Serving suggestions for one-pot pasta

With the versatility of one-pot pasta, it pairs well with many side dishes and drinks. A crisp salad or roasted vegetables can beautifully offset its richness.

When it comes to drinks, a chilled glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, goes wonderfully with pasta dishes. For children, a cool glass of homemade lemonade can be a delightful accompaniment.

Saving time with one-pot pasta

One-pot pasta is already a time-saver, but you can make it even quicker by prepping vegetables ahead of time. Chop them and keep them stored in the fridge so when it’s time to cook, all you have to do is throw everything into the pot.

Alternatively, you can use frozen or canned (drained) veggies to eliminate the chopping process completely.

Making use of one-pot pasta leftovers

One-Pot pasta leftovers can quickly transform into exciting meals. Use them as a filling for wraps or add to a pan with beaten eggs to make a pasta frittata.

Another option is to add some broth and create a hearty soup. Either way, you extend the life of your leftovers and create a completely new dish to enjoy.