There are two types of meals I like to make in the summer. The first is dinners on the grill and the second is quick, easy meals that come together without the use of the oven. Recipes that use a minimal amount of dishes is always a plus, too. This dinner fits both of those criteria…quick and on the stove top and only uses one pot.
I have seen one pot pasta recipes all over Pinterest. There is one version of this recipe that I have seen and know people who have tried it and have not liked it. When my favorite food blogger, Annie from Annies Eats, posted her own version of one pot pasta, I knew it would be a winner.
I took Annies’s verison and bulked it up a little by adding broccoli I steamed in the microwave and cubed fresh mozzarella the first time I made this. It was absolutely delicious and definitely as easy as promised, but Ryan asked for the addition of meat next time. So, this time around, we grilled up some simply seasoned chicken breasts to top the pasta and that definitely helped to up the protein in this meal.
This pasta has definitely become one of my favorite meals and I can see it becoming one of my go to pasta dinners! I hope you give it a try!
One Pot Pasta
Source: Adapted from Annie’s Eats
Ingredients:
12 oz. pasta, any shape. I like the heartiness of wheat here
12 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbsp. fresh basil, torn
2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
2 tbsp. olive oil
4 1/2 cups water
Optional:
4 oz. fresh mozzarella, cubed
1 bag of frozen broccoli, steamed in the bag
grilled chicken breast
Add all ingredients except for the mozzarella, broccoli, and chicken to the pot. Heat over medium high heat until the water begins to boil. Do not cover!! Let pasta boil, stirring occasionally. Cook until pasta is al dente or until most of the water has evaporated. Top with cheese, broccoli, or chicken if desired. Season with more salt and pepper if necessary and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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