Looking for a quick and delicious meal that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than this mouthwatering One Pot Penne Pasta! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a creamy, flavorful dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the freshness of vegetables—all in one pot! Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner party, this Italian-inspired recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to dive into a bowl of comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Add the dry penne pasta directly into the liquid, ensuring all pasta is mostly submerged. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the pasta.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Check pasta for doneness - it should be tender but still have a slight bite. If liquid is not fully absorbed, continue cooking uncovered for 2-3 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes to absorb remaining liquid and become creamy.
- Serve hot, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Optional: Add fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor and color.
Tips
- Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your dish hinges on the quality of your ingredients. Opt for a good brand of vegetable broth and ripe diced tomatoes for the best taste.
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onions and garlic at the beginning enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish. Make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
- Stir Occasionally: While the pasta is cooking, stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. This will help ensure even cooking and a creamy texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning to your liking. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you enjoy some heat!
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor and color, top your pasta with freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving.
- Leftovers: This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring back its creamy consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
