Copycat Ina Garten’s One-Pot Pasta Recipe

If you, like me, often dream of a scrumptious, comforting meal but dread the mountain of pots and pans that follows, Ina Garten has come to our rescue with her enchanting Ina Garten’s One-Pot Pasta recipe. In our bustling lives, the Barefoot Contessa has given us a gift of simplicity and flavor that is nothing short of culinary wizardry.

What Is Ina Garten’s One-Pot Pasta?

​Ina Garten, known as the Barefoot Contessa, has created several delicious one-pot pasta dishes that are both flavorful and convenient.

Ingredients:

• Salted water
• 12 ounces (about 340 grams) of spaghetti or linguine
• 1 pound (about 450 grams) of ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 onion (thinly sliced)
• 4 cloves of garlic (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• 2 sprigs of fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, plus more for finishing
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 1/2 cups of water
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large, shallow pot, place the uncooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, whole basil sprigs, olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, and a good grinding of pepper. Pour the water over all the ingredients.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring and turning the pasta frequently with tongs, for about 9 minutes. During this time, the water will reduce and emulsify with the tomatoes and olive oil, creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
3. Monitor Consistency: If the pasta is not yet done but the water has mostly evaporated, add more hot water and continue cooking. The sauce should cling to the pasta but still be a bit brothy.
4. Final Touches: Remove the pot from the heat once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened. Discard the basil sprigs. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as preferred.
5. Serve: Divide the pasta among bowls. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over each serving, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Generously top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips For Perfecting Ina Garten’s One-Pot Pasta:

• Quality Ingredients: As with any minimalist dish, the quality of each ingredient shines through. For the best results, opt for the ripest tomatoes, high-quality olive oil, and fresh basil.
• Stirring Is Key: Regular stirring is crucial to prevent the pasta from sticking and help the starches release into the sauce, thickening it naturally.
• Water Level: Monitor the water level. The sauce should be silky and luscious. If it’s too thick, add a bit more water.
• Customize: While delicious as is, this recipe is adaptable. To heat through, feel free to add vegetables or proteins (like cooked chicken or shrimp) towards the end of the cooking process.
• Cheese: Use a high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor. For a vegan option, substitute nutritional yeast or a plant-based Parmesan alternative.

What To Serve With

Salad:

• Arugula Salad with Lemon and Parmesan: Arugula’s peppery flavor pairs beautifully with lemon’s brightness, and shavings of Parmesan tie it back to the pasta dish.
• Caprese Salad: Tomato, mozzarella, and basil echo some of the pasta’s primary flavors while introducing a fresh, creamy texture contrast.

Crusty Bread:

• Garlic Bread: is a classic choice that needs no introduction. Rub slices of crusty bread with garlic, then toast them with butter and a sprinkle of salt.
• Rosemary Focaccia: The airy, olive oil-infused bread would complement the Ina Garten’s One-Pot pasta’s flavors without competing for attention.

Roasted Vegetables:

• Roasted Asparagus: Its earthy bitterness is an excellent counterpoint to the Ina Garten’s One-Pot pasta’s richness.
• Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized edges and tender centers offer a pleasant bite alongside the pasta.

Grilled Protein:

• Grilled Chicken Breast: Seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and lemon zest to match the pasta’s profile.
• Roasted Salmon: Its fatty richness and flaky texture make salmon a delightful companion to the comforting pasta.

Wine Pairing:

• White Wine: A crisp, dry white like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness while complementing the bright tomato and basil flavors.
• Red Wine: If you prefer red wine, choose something light and not too tannic, like a Pinot Noir, which will not overwhelm the pasta’s flavors.

Dessert:

• Lemon Sorbet: Its refreshing tartness can cleanse the palate and contrast nicely with the savory pasta.
• Tiramisu: This classic Italian dessert offers a creamy, coffee-laced counterpoint to the meal’s previous flavors for a more indulgent finish.

Health Benefits

• Tomatoes: The sauce in a one-pot pasta dish typically starts with tomatoes, a fantastic source of vitamins C and K, potassium, and fiber. They’re also rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to many health benefits, including reduced heart disease and cancer risk.
• Garlic and Onions: Garlic and onions are often used as the base flavoring in pasta dishes. They are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Garlic, in particular, has been shown to affect heart health positively and may have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• Olive Oil: If the recipe calls for olive oil, it’s a plus. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Its use has been associated with heart health benefits, including lowering the risk of heart disease.
• Whole Grain Pasta: If you opt for whole-grain pasta, you’ll benefit from more fiber, which is essential for digestive health. Whole grains can also help improve cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
• Leafy Greens: Some one-pot pasta variations include leafy greens, such as spinach or kale. These ingredients boost the dish’s nutrient density significantly. Leafy greens are excellent sources of vitamins A, C, K, folate, and minerals like calcium and iron. They’re also low in calories and high in dietary fiber.
• Proteins: Adding protein sources like chicken, shrimp, or cannellini beans to the pasta will increase the essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and immune function. Using lean meats or plant-based proteins will also keep the dish lower in saturated fats.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs such as basil contribute vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants with minimal added calories. Their flavor also means you might use less salt, which is better for maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Final Thoughts

Ina Garten’s one-pot pasta is more than just a delightful culinary creation; it embodies the essence of nutritious, simple cooking that doesn’t skimp on flavor. As we’ve explored, this dish encompasses a variety of health benefits, thanks to the thoughtful inclusion of ingredients such as hearty whole grains, fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and beneficial fats like those found in olive oil.

More Recipes:

• Snow Crab Legs Recipe
• Buldak Ramen Recipe

Ina Garten's One-Pot Pasta Recipe

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Rating: 5.0/5

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Serves: 4 Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cooking Time: 15 Minutes 15 Minutes Nutrition facts: 131 calories 1.1 grams fat

Ingredients

• Salted water
• 12 ounces (about 340 grams) of spaghetti or linguine
• 1 pound (about 450 grams) of ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 onion (thinly sliced)
• 4 cloves of garlic (thinly sliced)
• 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• 2 sprigs of fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, plus more for finishing
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 1/2 cups of water
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large, shallow pot, place the uncooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, sliced onion, sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, whole basil sprigs, olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, and a good grinding of pepper. Pour the water over all the ingredients.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring and turning the pasta frequently with tongs, for about 9 minutes. During this time, the water will reduce and emulsify with the tomatoes and olive oil, creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
3. Monitor Consistency: If the pasta is not yet done but the water has mostly evaporated, add more hot water and continue cooking. The sauce should cling to the pasta but still be a bit brothy.
4. Final Touches: Remove the pot from the heat once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened. Discard the basil sprigs. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as preferred.
5. Serve: Divide the pasta among bowls. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over each serving, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Generously top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.