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recipes for one pot meal -pasta -soup

recipes for one pot meal -pasta -soup

3 min read 22-11-2024
recipes for one pot meal -pasta -soup

Meta Description: Discover delicious and easy one-pot pasta and soup recipes perfect for busy weeknights! These simple recipes require minimal cleanup and are packed with flavor. From creamy tomato pasta to hearty minestrone, find your new favorite weeknight meal here! (158 characters)

The Allure of One-Pot Wonders

One-pot pasta and soup recipes are a busy person's best friend. They minimize cleanup, maximize flavor, and offer endless variations. Forget endless pots and pans; these recipes streamline dinner prep, leaving you with more time for relaxation.

Creamy Tomato One-Pot Pasta

This recipe is a classic for a reason: it's quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work best)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
  • Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, pasta, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Stir in fresh basil and serve with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Pro Tip: For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche at the end.

Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta

Minestrone is a quintessential Italian soup, easily adapted for a one-pot approach.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1/2 cup chopped green beans
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, pasta, beans, zucchini, and green beans. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  5. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper. Serve with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Pro Tip: Add a handful of spinach in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.

One-Pot Sausage and Spinach Pasta

This recipe is flavorful and satisfying; it's a fantastic weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup pasta (small shapes like penne or rotini)
  • 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Brown the sausage in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, pasta, spinach, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through and spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for One-Pot Pasta Success

  • Use the right pasta: Small pasta shapes cook faster and are less likely to become mushy in the one-pot method.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe suggests.
  • Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more herbs, spices, or cheese to suit your preferences.
  • Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor of your one-pot pasta by adding your favorite vegetables.

These one-pot pasta and soup recipes are just a starting point. Get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your new favorite weeknight meal! Remember, the beauty of one-pot meals lies in their simplicity and adaptability. Enjoy!

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