This creamy one-pot spaghetti is a quick and delicious meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce allows it to absorb all the rich flavors, resulting in a satisfying dish with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
🍝 12 ounces spaghetti
🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
🧅 1 medium onion, finely chopped
🍅 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
🥫 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
🥛 1 cup heavy cream
🧀 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
🌿 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
🌿 Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipment:
• Large pot or deep skillet with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
Preparation Time:
• Active: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total: 30 minutes
Approximate Nutrition per Serving (1/6 of recipe):
• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
Instructions:
1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken or vegetable broth, and heavy cream. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Incorporate Spaghetti: Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot, ensuring it's submerged in the liquid.
4. Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 12-15 minutes.
5. Add Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving. Enjoy the creamy spaghetti hot, perhaps with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Cooking and Serving Tips:
• Protein Addition: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms during step 1.
• Vegetable Variations: Incorporate spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
• Consistency Adjustment: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to reach the desired consistency.