One-Pot Pasta with Tomato Sauce: A Quick and Easy Recipe for Busy Housewives

Managing household chores while ensuring your family enjoys delicious and nutritious meals can be a challenging task. One-pot meals are a fantastic solution, as they simplify the cooking process, reduce cleanup time, and still deliver satisfying dishes. One such recipe that perfectly fits this criteria is One-Pot Pasta with Tomato Sauce. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy housewives looking to streamline their meal preparation.

Benefits of One-Pot Meals

Before diving into the recipe, it’s worth highlighting the benefits of one-pot meals:

• Less Cleanup: With only one pot to clean, you save time and effort, making post-meal cleanup a breeze.
• Simplified Cooking Process: Cooking everything in one pot simplifies the process and reduces the number of steps involved.
• Enhanced Flavor: Cooking all ingredients together allows the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
• Nutrient Preservation: Cooking in one pot helps preserve the nutrients of the ingredients, making the meal healthier.

One-Pot Pasta with Tomato Sauce Recipe

This One-Pot Pasta with Tomato Sauce is a versatile and delicious meal that can be customized to suit your family’s tastes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this delightful dish.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (about 340 grams) of pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
• 1 can (28 ounces) of crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
   • Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Having all your ingredients ready before you start cooking will make the process smoother.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Add Liquids and Pasta:
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir to combine.
   • Add the pasta to the pot. Ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. If necessary, break the pasta in half to fit it in the pot.
4. Season the Sauce:
   • Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to mix the seasonings evenly throughout the pot.
5. Cook the Pasta:
   • Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer.
   • Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot. This also helps the pasta cook evenly.
   • Cook until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 10-12 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Finish the Dish:
   • Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
   • If you prefer a richer sauce, you can add a drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter at this stage.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This adds a touch of freshness and a burst of flavor to the dish.

Tips for Customizing Your One-Pot Pasta

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize and enhance your One-Pot Pasta with Tomato Sauce:

Add Protein:

• Chicken: Add diced chicken breast or thighs to the pot when sautéing the onions and garlic. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink before adding the liquids and pasta.
• Sausage: Use sliced Italian sausage or crumbled sausage meat for added flavor and protein.
• Ground Meat: Ground beef, turkey, or pork can be browned with the onions and garlic for a heartier meal.

Include Vegetables:

• Spinach or Kale: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added greens.
• Bell Peppers: Sauté diced bell peppers with the onions for a sweet and colorful addition.
• Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the pot with the onions and garlic for an earthy flavor.

Enhance the Flavor:

• Wine: Replace a cup of the broth with white or red wine for a richer flavor profile.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be added during cooking or as a garnish for an aromatic touch.
• Cheese: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese towards the end for a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Conclusion

One-Pot Pasta with Tomato Sauce is a quick, easy, and delicious meal perfect for busy housewives looking to streamline their cooking process. This recipe’s simplicity and versatility make it a go-to option for weeknight dinners, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful dish with minimal cleanup. By customizing the recipe with your favorite proteins, vegetables, and seasonings, you can create a variety of meals that suit your family’s preferences. Embrace the convenience of one-pot cooking and discover the joy of effortless, satisfying meals.