I am not sure where this idea originated but I first saw it on Facebook then on Pinterest. I adpated my versions from Budget Bytes and it has literally changed the way I cook pasta. The key thing to note is that this procedure only works for dried spaghetti, linguine or fettuccine. What’s so wonderful about this dish is that the noodles actually absorb all the flavors from the broth and the starch from the pasta makes the noodles really silky.
It might be that it’s not such a good idea to eat all the starch, but boy it makes for such a wonderful texture. Did I mention the fact the clean up is really easy? Next time I need to try this in a slow cooker. Click here for another wonderful pasta in one pot dinner solution. Stay tuned for another favorite: No-Bake One Pot Lasagna.
And if you are searching for more interesting facts about cooking pasta, check out this article on The Kitchn. Sadly they don’t have this technique listed but perhaps they will after this post. I do agree with the author that fresh pasta shouldn’t be compared to dried. They are different and each hold a special place at the dinner table. One pot pasta gets the prize for an easy solution to weeknight dinners for the family. I haven’t tried this with whole wheat or whole grain pasta so if you do, please write and tell us how it turns out.
Italian Wonderpot –Adapted from Budget Bytes
Ingredients
4 cups water or broth or your choice (Chicken, vegetable work equally as well)
2 Tbsp. olive oil
12 oz. dried pasta (fettuccine, linguini or spaghetti work well)
8 oz. frozen chopped spinach (optional)
1 (28) oz. can of diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, sliced lengthwise (or diced)
4 cloves or garlic, minced
a few leaves of fresh basil
1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
freshly cracked pepper
1 tsp. salt
Cheese of your choice for garnish
Procedure
Add the stock to a large pot. Break the dried noodles in half and add to the pot. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the cheese) and cover the pot. Turn the heat on high and bring the broth up to a rolling boil.
Stir the contents and then reduce the heat to medium. Keep the lid off and allow the pasta to keep boiling for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked. Make sure to stir the pot every few minutes so that the noodles don’t stick to the bottom.
Once the pasta is cooked (most of the liquid will be absorbed and the pasta will been soft) place into bowls and top with your favorite cheese. This recipe feeds 5 people perfectly.
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