10-Minute One Pot Pasta: Easy, Comforting & Delicious

Imagine a steaming pot of pasta, the aroma wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the rich scents of fresh herbs and savory spices. The colors dance before your eyes, vibrant reds from juicy tomatoes, greens from basil, and golden hues from a drizzle of olive oil. This is not just any dish; this is one pot pasta, the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a cold day. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave comfort food without the fuss.

Now picture this: you’ve had a long day at work, and the last thing on your mind is slaving away in front of the stove. One pot pasta comes to the rescue! It’s quick, easy, and so delicious that even your picky eaters will be begging for seconds. Trust me; once you taste it, you’ll be dreaming about it long after dinner is over.

I vividly remember the first time I made one pot pasta. My kitchen was filled with laughter as my friends gathered around to sample my culinary creation. They were amazed that something so simple could taste so incredibly good!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: I recommend using penne or fusilli for their ability to hold onto sauce perfectly.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh ones add sweetness; look for bright red ones with no blemishes.

• Fresh Basil: Nothing beats fresh basil for that sweet aromatic touch; it elevates the whole dish.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives richness; it’s worth splurging on quality here.

• Garlic: Always use fresh garlic cloves—nothing compares to its flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.

• Vegetable Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels while boosting flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese makes everything better—trust me on this!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Get ready for a cooking adventure! Follow these steps to create your delicious one pot pasta masterpiece.

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping the garlic and tomatoes. Having everything ready makes cooking smooth and fun.

Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds before adding halved cherry tomatoes.

Add Pasta and Broth: Pour in your chosen pasta along with vegetable broth. Stir well and bring everything to a boil while watching those lovely bubbles dance!

Season It Up!: Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and half of your fresh basil once boiling. Reduce heat to low and cover—let simmer until pasta is cooked al dente.

Add Final Touches: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese along with the remaining basil for an extra flavor kick that will make your taste buds sing!

You now have a delightful one pot pasta dish ready to impress family or friends! Serve hot with an additional sprinkle of cheese if desired.

This one-pot wonder not only saves time but also captures all those delightful flavors we love about Italian cuisine—all in one bowl! Enjoy every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic for flavor. Then, add your pasta and liquid together to cook in one pot. This ensures a creamy texture and infuses all the ingredients with rich taste.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables or proteins based on what you have. Toss in some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese at the end for that personal flair and extra flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover one pot pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to regain creaminess.

Cooking this one pot pasta always brings back memories of my college days when I would whip it up for friends during study sessions, gathering around the table, laughing, and indulging in deliciousness.

FAQ

What type of pasta works best for one pot pasta?

Short pastas like penne or fusilli hold sauces well while cooking evenly.

Can I add meat to my one pot pasta?

Absolutely! Cook chicken, shrimp, or sausage along with onions for added protein.

How do I prevent my pasta from sticking together?

Stir occasionally during cooking and ensure you’re using enough liquid for proper cooking.

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One Pot Pasta

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Experience the comfort of a delicious one pot pasta dish that brings together vibrant ingredients for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings, combining fresh cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, and al dente pasta in just one pot. With minimal cleanup and endless variations, you’ll be savoring every bite while enjoying quality time with family or friends.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: One Pot Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping garlic and halving cherry tomatoes.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then add halved cherry tomatoes.
3. Pour in the penne pasta and vegetable broth; stir well and bring to a boil.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the chopped basil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer until pasta is cooked al dente (about 10 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and mix in grated Parmesan cheese and remaining basil for added flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 57g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 10mg