One Pot Pasta
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy One Pot Pasta recipe! Packed with vibrant vegetables and creamy goodness, this dish comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for a quick family meal or a cozy dinner for two, it'll satisfy your cravings without the hassle.
This One Pot Pasta recipe is designed to be a family favorite. With its simplicity and delicious flavors, it's sure to become a go-to in your weekly meal rotation.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meals
One pot meals are a lifesaver for busy weeknights. They offer a straightforward cooking approach that minimizes kitchen time and maximizes flavor. With this One Pot Pasta recipe, you'll have a delicious dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. The best part? There is only one pot to clean afterward, making it a family-friendly option for those who want to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.
This recipe is adaptable, allowing you to swap in your favorite pasta shapes and seasonal vegetables. Whether you prefer fusilli, penne, or spaghetti, the cooking method remains the same. You can also experiment with adding protein, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, to tailor this dish to your family’s tastes.
Nutritious and Delicious
One Pot Pasta isn’t just easy; it’s also packed with nutrients. The vibrant cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach not only add color but also provide vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants. Cream adds a rich depth of flavor, while the vegetable broth enhances the overall taste without overweighting the dish. This balance makes it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters looking for a satisfying meal.
Incorporating more vegetables into your diet can be a challenge, but this recipe makes it effortless. The hearty spinach wilts down beautifully, blending into the pasta and ensuring every bite is a wholesome one. Plus, the burst of juicy cherry tomatoes elevates the dish’s flavor profile, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy elements.
Make It Your Own
The flexibility of this One Pot Pasta recipe allows for endless customization. Consider seasonal vegetables like zucchini in the summer or butternut squash in the fall. You can also add fresh herbs such as basil or parsley to elevate the dish further. For those who enjoy a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can bring an exciting kick to the creamy base.
Moreover, this recipe serves as a great foundation for meal prepping. Prepare a larger batch, and you’ll have leftovers that taste just as good the next day. Store it in the fridge and enjoy it for lunch or reheat it for an effortless dinner option. Its ability to hold flavor makes it an ideal candidate for meal prep enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Ingredients for One Pot Pasta
- 8 ounces of pasta (your choice)
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of spinach
- 1/2 cup of cream
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables!
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, combine the pasta, vegetable broth, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
Add the Vegetables
After 10 minutes, add the spinach and cream. Stir well to combine.
Finish Cooking
Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the pasta is cooked to your liking. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve warm and enjoy your one pot meal!
Serving Suggestions
Serve your One Pot Pasta in shallow bowls, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for an added touch of flavor. Pair this dish with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A light white wine or sparkling water with lemon would complement the flavors beautifully, making it a delightful meal to enjoy with family or friends.
For a vegetarian-friendly option, consider pairing this pasta with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon and olive oil. The peppery arugula will contrast nicely with the creamy pasta, balancing your meal while keeping it light and refreshing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to restore the creaminess, as the pasta may absorb some moisture during storage. Heat gently on the stove, stirring frequently until warmed through to ensure even heating without overcooking.
For freeze-ahead meals, consider portioning the pasta into individual servings before freezing. This way, you can easily grab a portion and enjoy a quick meal anytime. Just be aware that the texture may slightly change after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious when reheated!
Nutritional Breakdown
This One Pot Pasta recipe is not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced. With the inclusion of whole grain pasta and fresh vegetables, this dish offers a good amount of fiber. The cream adds a touch of richness, but you can substitute it with a lower-fat option, such as Greek yogurt or plant-based cream, to cut calories while maintaining creaminess.
Additionally, when made with vegetable broth and a variety of vegetables, the meal is relatively low in calories while providing essential nutrients. Each serving can be adjusted according to dietary needs and preferences, making it suitable for various diets including vegetarian and flexible eating plans.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well for this recipe.
→ How can I make it vegan?
Replace cream with coconut milk and check the pasta ingredients for egg content.
One Pot Pasta
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this easy One Pot Pasta recipe! Packed with vibrant vegetables and creamy goodness, this dish comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for a quick family meal or a cozy dinner for two, it'll satisfy your cravings without the hassle.
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for One Pot Pasta
- 8 ounces of pasta (your choice)
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of spinach
- 1/2 cup of cream
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a large pot, combine the pasta, vegetable broth, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
After 10 minutes, add the spinach and cream. Stir well to combine.
Continue to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the pasta is cooked to your liking. Season with salt and pepper.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 55g