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The Easiest One Pot Pasta Ever (3 Ways)

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Joshua Weissman
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One Pot Pasta is a modern Italian-American dish that simplifies traditional pasta cooking by combining all ingredients in one pot. This approach not only saves time on cleanup but also allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the broth and vegetables. It's a popular choice for busy weeknights and has inspired various adaptations worldwide, making it a beloved comfort food for many.

Ingredients

  • pasta
  • olive oil
  • garlic
  • onion
  • bell pepper
  • zucchini
  • cherry tomatoes
  • vegetable broth
  • basil
  • parmesan cheese
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • red pepper flakes
  • spinach
  • lemon juice

Instructions

  1. 1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. 2Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. 3Stir in diced bell pepper and zucchini; cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  4. 4Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften, about 2 minutes.
  5. 5Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  6. 6Add pasta, ensuring it's submerged in the broth.
  7. 7Reduce heat to a simmer and cover; cook until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally, about 10-12 minutes.
  8. 8Stir in spinach until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. 9Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
  10. 10Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and fresh basil.
  11. 11Serve topped with grated parmesan cheese.

Ingredient Alternatives

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

pasta

Healthier: whole grain pasta

Cheaper: pasta made from semolina

Whole grain pasta adds fiber and nutrients.

olive oil

Healthier: avocado oil

Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil is heart-healthy and has a high smoke point.

vegetable broth

Healthier: homemade vegetable stock

Cheaper: water with seasoning

Homemade stock can be lower in sodium and more flavorful.

Techniques

sautéingsimmering

Equipment

large potwooden spoonmeasuring cupsknifecutting board
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairy

Also Known As

One-Pot PastaOne-Pot Italian Pasta

Ingredients

  • 12 oz linguine
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. 2Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. 3Add the halved cherry tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
  4. 4Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  5. 5Add the linguine to the pot, making sure it is submerged in the broth.
  6. 6Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Cook for about 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  7. 7Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped basil.
  8. 8If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Equipment

large potwooden spoonmeasuring cupsmeasuring spoons
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Creamy Garlic Pasta is a beloved Italian dish that showcases the simplicity and richness of Italian cuisine. It is often enjoyed as a comforting meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. The combination of garlic and cream creates a luscious sauce that clings to the pasta, making it a favorite among pasta lovers.

Ingredients

  • pasta
  • garlic
  • heavy cream
  • parmesan cheese
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper
  • parsley

Instructions

  1. 1Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. 2In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. 3Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  4. 4Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
  5. 5Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. 6Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. 7Combine cooked pasta with the sauce and toss well.
  8. 8Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

heavy cream

Healthier: coconut cream

Cheaper: milk

Coconut cream is lower in calories, while milk is more budget-friendly.

parmesan cheese

Healthier: nutritional yeast

Cheaper: grated cheese blend

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories and offers a cheesy flavor, while a cheese blend is often cheaper.

Techniques

boilingsautéing

Equipment

potskilletmeasuring cupsspatula
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairy

Also Known As

Garlic Cream PastaPasta Aglio e Olio Creamy Style

Ingredients

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. 3Add the diced chicken to the skillet and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. 4Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. 5Stir in the diced tomatoes and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. 6Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce and chicken.
  7. 7Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
  8. 8Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. 9Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Equipment

large potskilletcolandermeasuring cupsmeasuring spoonswooden spoon
🌶️🌶️🌶️Medium

Originating in Rome's working-class trattorias, Carbonara was a hearty meal for charcoal workers (carbonari). The dish celebrates simple ingredients—eggs, cured pork, cheese, and black pepper—transformed through technique. Today it's beloved worldwide, though purists insist on guanciale over bacon.

Ingredients

  • spaghetti
  • guanciale
  • eggs
  • Pecorino Romano cheese
  • black pepper
  • olive oil

Instructions

  1. 1Boil water in a large pot and add salt until it resembles seawater.
  2. 2Cook spaghetti in boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. 3While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  4. 4Add guanciale to the skillet and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. 5Whisk together eggs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese in a bowl until smooth.
  6. 6Remove the skillet from heat once guanciale is crispy.
  7. 7Drain spaghetti, reserving some pasta water, and add it to the skillet with guanciale.
  8. 8Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, tossing to combine.
  9. 9Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
  10. 10Season generously with black pepper and additional cheese if desired.
  11. 11Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese.

Ingredient Alternatives

guanciale

Healthier: pancetta

Cheaper: bacon

Pancetta and bacon are more accessible substitutes, though they alter the flavor.

Pecorino Romano cheese

Healthier: Parmesan cheese

Cheaper: Grana Padano

Parmesan and Grana Padano offer a similar texture and flavor at a lower cost.

Techniques

boilingsautéingmixing

Equipment

large potskilletmixing bowlwhiskcolander
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowglutendairyegg

Also Known As

Carbonara

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