Description
Comfort meets convenience in this spectacular one pot pasta that brings Italian simplicity to your kitchen. Hearty ingredients meld seamlessly, delivering a delicious meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor for hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic base by warming olive oil in a capacious pot over moderate heat. Introduce finely diced onions and sauté until they turn translucent and soft, approximately 2-3 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and briefly toast for half a minute, releasing its fragrant essence.
- Strategically layer pasta, broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the pot. Thoroughly mix the ingredients, ensuring pasta is completely immersed in the liquid.
- Elevate the heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and allow the pasta to cook, intermittently stirring to prevent sticking. Monitor the cooking process until pasta reaches an al dente texture and liquid reduces substantially.
- Gently fold in vibrant cherry tomatoes and delicate spinach leaves. As the greens wilt, introduce Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a luxurious, silky sauce that elegantly envelops each pasta strand.
- Transfer the aromatic one-pot creation to serving dishes. Embellish with freshly torn basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Complement the dish with crusty garlic bread or a crisp, verdant salad for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Adjust liquid ratios by monitoring pasta absorption during cooking to prevent mushiness or dryness.
- Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta alternatives for dietary modifications without compromising texture.
- Experiment with different protein additions like chicken, shrimp, or plant-based options for varied meal experiences.
- Control spice levels by gradually adding red pepper flakes and tasting throughout the cooking process for personalized heat intensity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg