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Easy Foolproof One-Pot Pasta Dinner Recipe for Quick Weeknight Meals

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A quick and easy one-pot pasta dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes using simple pantry staples. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers comforting, flavorful pasta with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (yellow or white)
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes (San Marzano recommended)
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) vegetable or chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 8 oz (225 g) dried pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (about 2 minutes) until a drop of water sizzles on contact.
  2. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Add the dried pasta to the pot, spreading it out evenly. Pour in the broth, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged. Sprinkle the dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper on top.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid. Let it simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Check the pasta around 12 minutes for doneness. If needed, add a splash of water or broth and continue simmering uncovered until tender.
  7. Once pasta is cooked and sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add a little broth or pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use gluten-free pasta if needed. Substitute broth with water plus bouillon cube if necessary. Fresh cherry tomatoes can replace canned tomatoes in summer. For a richer dish, add a splash of cream or dollop of ricotta at the end. Stir gently every few minutes to prevent sticking. Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Parmesan cheese adds depth and creaminess but can be omitted or replaced with vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, simple pasta, one-pot meal, pasta dinner, quick pasta

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