Easy One-Pot Pasta

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Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner? This one-pot pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. You can make a tasty meal in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup.

The best part is you only need one pot to cook everything together. Simply add uncooked pasta, veggies, and sauce to a large pot. Then let it all simmer until the pasta is tender. It’s that easy! You’ll have a hot, fresh meal on the table in no time.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy one-pot pasta:

• 8 ounces dry pasta (regular or gluten-free)
• 8 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 small zucchini, chopped and quartered
• 3 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 1/4 cup pasta sauce of your choice
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 3 ounces fresh spinach

This recipe is super flexible! You can swap out veggies based on what you have on hand. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for a tasty twist.

Remember to use a large pot or deep pan to fit all the ingredients. The pasta will cook right in the sauce, soaking up all the yummy flavors.

Don’t forget to stir every 2 minutes while cooking. This stops the pasta from sticking and helps everything cook evenly. Your meal will be ready in just 20 minutes!

Instructions

Start by grabbing a large pot or deep pan. Toss in your dry pasta, tomatoes, garlic, onion, zucchini, mushrooms, red pepper flakes, and salt. Add the pasta sauce and water, then mix well.

Put the pot on high heat and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, turn the heat down to medium-low. Let it cook for 10-14 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

Check if the pasta is done by tasting it. It should be firm but not crunchy. When it’s ready, turn off the heat. Add the spinach and gently fold it in until it wilts.

Serve your pasta right away in bowls. You can add toppings if you like. If you have leftovers, they’ll stay good in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Pro tip: Cooking times may change based on the pasta you use. Check the package for the shortest cook time and start testing from there.

Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations

You can easily swap ingredients in this one-pot pasta recipe to suit your taste or use what you have on hand. Try these substitutions:

• Pasta: Use any shape like penne, rotini, or shells
• Tomatoes: Swap for diced bell peppers or canned diced tomatoes
• Zucchini: Replace with yellow squash or eggplant
• Mushrooms: Use white button mushrooms or omit if you don’t like them
• Spinach: Sub in kale or Swiss chard

To change up the flavor, try these variations:

• Italian: Add 1 tsp Italian seasoning and top with Parmesan
• Spicy: Double the red pepper flakes and add hot sauce
• Protein-packed: Stir in a can of drained white beans or chickpeas
• Creamy: Use Alfredo sauce instead of tomato sauce

Remember to keep the liquid ratio the same when swapping ingredients. Have fun experimenting with different combos to make this recipe your own!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Use a large pot with high sides to prevent spills. Stir the pasta every 2 minutes to avoid sticking. For best results, use short pasta shapes like penne or rotini.

You can swap veggies based on what’s in your fridge. Try bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots. For protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp in the last few minutes of cooking.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Put it in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through.

For a creamier dish, add a splash of heavy cream or some grated Parmesan cheese at the end. If the pasta seems dry when reheating, add a little water or broth.

Make this dish your own! Try different pasta sauces, spice blends, or herbs to change up the flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your one-pot pasta.