Description
One-pot pasta from Italy blends simplicity and flavor in a delightful culinary experience. Rich ingredients meld together seamlessly, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent, then quickly toast minced garlic to release its rich fragrance.
- Liquid Harmony: Add pasta, broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly combine ingredients, ensuring pasta is fully submerged in liquid.
- Cooking Transformation: Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture and liquid significantly reduces.
- Final Embellishment: Incorporate cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves, allowing greens to wilt. Blend in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, creating a velvety sauce that lavishly coats each pasta strand.
- Serving Presentation: Plate the aromatic creation, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Pair with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Optimize Onion Sautéing: Dice onions uniformly for even cooking and translucent texture; use medium heat to prevent burning and ensure soft, sweet flavor development.
- Liquid Ratio Management: Maintain precise liquid-to-pasta proportion to achieve perfect al dente consistency; add extra broth gradually if pasta appears too dry during cooking.
- Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from clumping or sticking to pot bottom; use a wide, flat utensil for gentle mixing.
- Cream Sauce Control: Add Parmesan and cream off direct heat to prevent sauce separation; stir continuously for smooth, silky texture without curdling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg