The one pot pasta cooking technique is revolutionary for busy home cook. The traditional method of cooking pasta would be a three step process: Make the pasta in one pot, make the sauce in another pot, and then toss the two together. This is not the case with the one pot pasta method. Instead of cooking pasta separately in a large pot of boiling salted water, it's actually prepared in a low volume of liquid along with the other sauce ingredients. The fact of the matter is that pasta can be cooked in as little as a quart of and a half of liquid (this is dependent of the shape of the pasta) and still turn out to be al dente perfection. Also, since the sauce and the pasta cook together, it clings to each and every strand so that each bite is bursting with flavor.
Everyone loves homemade pasta bolognese so it is a great first recipe to try the one pot technique. Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter take on this classic Italian dish. I like to serve my pasta bolognese with garlic bread knots and assorted sauteed vegetables. To view other one pot pasta recipes, click here.
One Pot Pasta Bolognese
Courtesy of Betty Crocker
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, diced (about 3 cups)
2 carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon salt
1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1/4 cup canned Muir Glen™ organic tomato paste
1 can (28 oz) Muir Glen™ organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 carton (32 oz) Progresso™ beef broth
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 lb uncooked spaghetti
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
In Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Cook onions, carrots and salt in oil 5 to 8 minutes or until softened. Add beef; cook 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned. Stir in tomato paste and tomatoes.
Stir in broth, pepper flakes and Italian seasoning; heat to simmering. Break pasta in half, then thoroughly rinse under cold water. Tuck pasta into simmering liquid, covering completely. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 13 to 15 minutes or until pasta is soft and sauce is reduced slightly.
Top with Parmesan cheese and basil.
Image Sources:
