Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225g) pasta (e.g., spaghetti, penne, or rotini)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup vegetables of your choice (e.g., broccoli florets, halved cherry tomatoes, or chopped spinach)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs (such as basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
- In a large pot, combine the pasta, water, and vegetables. Make sure the vegetables are cut into small, bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking.
- Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and dried herbs. You can adjust the amounts of seasoning based on your preference.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent the pasta from clumping together.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the desired level of tenderness. The vegetables should also become tender during this time. It usually takes around 10-12 minutes, but it can vary depending on the type of pasta you're using.
- Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, check the pot for excess water. If there's still a significant amount of water, drain it using a colander or by carefully tilting the pot and pouring out the excess liquid.
- Drizzle the cooked pasta and vegetables with olive oil. The olive oil adds flavor and helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Toss the pasta gently to evenly distribute the olive oil and incorporate the vegetables throughout.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve the one-pot pasta warm and enjoy!
This recipe allows you to cook the pasta and vegetables together in one pot, saving time and reducing cleanup.