One Pot Pasta
A hearty one-pot pasta dish with stewed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and pasta, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, customizable with meats and vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients, except pasta, and bring to a boil.
- Add pasta to the boiling mixture.
- Cover and simmer for 16 to 18 minutes.
- Stir twice during cooking.
- Optional: add cooked meats, vegetables, and cheese as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness. You can substitute spiral pasta with penne or fusilli if desired. Feel free to add some chopped garlic or onion to the base for more depth. For a heartier dish, mix in cooked meats like grilled chicken or sausage, or vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, similar to Heart Healthy Chicken Cacciatore.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this one pot pasta as a main dish, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, serve alongside Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana II for a delicious Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth to the pasta to prevent it from drying out, and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of One Pot Pasta contains roughly 16 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1791mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! About 4-5 cups of diced fresh tomatoes will work well. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they soften properly before adding the pasta.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat or cheese additions. You can enhance the flavor with additional vegetables or plant-based protein sources like chickpeas.
How can I make the pasta not stick together?
To prevent the pasta from sticking together, make sure to stir it well after adding it to the boiling mixture. Additionally, ensure the liquid is at a rolling boil before adding the pasta. If necessary, you can add a little olive oil to the pot.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).