Cozy One Pot Pasta
Discover the ultimate weeknight wonder with this Cozy One Pot Pasta. This dish effortlessly combines pasta, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil into a single pot, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. It's the perfect solution for a comforting dinner that comes together in a flash.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Incredibly simple with minimal cleanup, thanks to the one-pot method.
- Bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors from the cherry tomatoes and basil.
- Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Highly customizable; easily adapt with your favorite vegetables or protein.
- Offers comforting, wholesome goodness without any fuss.
Ingredients
- 225 g (8 oz) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your preferred shape)
- 150 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 960 ml (4 cups) low-sodium vegetable broth
- 25 g (1 cup) fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 30 ml (2 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil
- 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Take a moment to prepare the aromatics: carefully mince the garlic cloves and halve the cherry tomatoes. This mise en place ensures a smooth cooking process.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can lead to a bitter taste.
- Introduce the dry pasta and the halved cherry tomatoes into the pot with the sautéed garlic. Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth, ensuring that the pasta is mostly, if not completely, submerged. This liquid will be absorbed by the pasta as it cooks, infusing it with flavor.
- Increase the heat to bring the broth to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the pasta to cook for 10–12 minutes, or according to package instructions for al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.
- When the pasta has reached a perfect al dente texture—meaning it's tender but still has a slight bite—stir in the fresh chopped basil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed to achieve your desired flavor profile.
- Remove the pot from the heat and serve the pasta immediately while hot. Garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm pasta for an extra layer of rich, savory flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven (minimum 4-liter capacity)
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure the broth fully covers the pasta at the beginning of cooking; if it doesn't, add a splash more broth or water.
- Stir frequently during the simmering process, especially in the first few minutes, to prevent the pasta from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
- Taste the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cook time to ensure it reaches your preferred al dente texture.
- Do not overcook the garlic in the initial step; it should be fragrant and lightly golden, not brown or crispy, to avoid a bitter taste.
- Add the fresh basil at the very end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color, aroma, and delicate flavor.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of depth, briefly toast the dry pasta in the olive oil for 1-2 minutes after sautéing the garlic, before adding the broth. This technique can enhance the pasta's nutty undertones.
- Consider adding a splash of dry white wine (approximately 60 ml or 1/4 cup) after the garlic has softened, allowing it to reduce completely before introducing the broth. This adds a subtle, complex acidity.
- Using a high-quality vegetable broth is paramount here, as the pasta absorbs the liquid directly. A richer, more flavorful broth will significantly impact the final taste of the dish.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid and may become softer upon reheating.
- Feel free to experiment with other quick-cooking vegetables like a handful of fresh spinach (stirred in at the end), thinly sliced mushrooms, or diced bell peppers.
- For a richer, creamier texture, stir in 30 g (2 tablespoons) of cream cheese or mascarpone along with the basil at the very end of cooking.
- To boost the protein content, add cooked shredded chicken, sautéed shrimp, or canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed) during the last few minutes of simmering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, most short or long pasta types will work beautifully. However, keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta shape and brand. Always ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the broth.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together in the pot?
The key to preventing sticking and ensuring even cooking is to stir the pasta frequently, especially during the first few minutes of simmering when the starches are most active. A wide pot also helps by giving the pasta more room.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute regular pasta with your preferred gluten-free pasta. Be aware that gluten-free pasta often cooks faster than traditional pasta, so monitor the simmering time closely and taste for doneness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 400, Protein: 15g, Fat: 15g, Carbs: 50g (Approximate per serving)
Allergy Information
Contains gluten (from pasta) and dairy (from Parmesan cheese). For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. For a dairy-free or vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
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