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Creamy Tomato Basil No-Drain Pasta

Creamy Tomato Basil No-Drain Pasta

Truly a one-pot dinner, plus there’s no need to drain a heavy pot of pasta: Creamy Tomato Basil No-Drain Pasta. Noodles cook right in the creamy sauce making a satisfying (healthy!) dish in just minutes.

No Drain Pasta for One Pot Dinner | @TspCurry

We share kitchen shortcuts and tricks on how to cook more healthfully and deliciously in the kitchen. Teaspoonofspice.com

It’s Healthy Kitchen Hacks Wednesday – the day we share our favorite time-saving kitchen tricks and cooking shortcuts to help you make healthy and delicious meals.

You can see all our Healthy Kitchen Hacks here. To get exclusive healthy kitchen hacks – only available to our email subscribers – sign up HERE.

Now…onto today’s featured Healthy Kitchen Hack:

Easy No-Drain Pasta for One-Pot Dinners

Today I’ve got a Healthy Kitchen Hack that will help you save a step when making one-pot pasta dinners. Normally, you would probably do all these steps: 1) Cook pasta in a big pot of boiling water, 2) Drain the pasta, 3) Cook the other ingredients in that same pot, 4) Add the drained (hopefully still warm and not-too-sticky) pasta back to the pot 5) Stir everything together

This new Healthy Kitchen Hacks method:

  • Saves time: You cook everything – pasta, veggies, meat – all at once
  • Saves dishes: No need to use a colander, and another pot (if you use two separate pots, one for the pasta and one for the sauce/meat/veggies)
  • Makes the most flavorful noodles ever: Because the pasta cooks with all the other ingredients, it absorbs all the yummy sauce flavors

Here’s how:

Add all the ingredients to a large, wide pan: Pasta, quick cooking veggies (like zucchini, tomatoes or shreds of carrots), quick-cooking proteins (shrimp, fish, 3/4-inch chunks of chicken, beans or tofu,) and seasonings (lemon zest, herbs, spices, homemade ricotta, store-bought ricotta, or cream cheese).

Use a wide pan so the liquid can evaporate easier.

No Drain Pasta for One Pot Dinner | @TspCurry

Add just enough water to cover the pasta. Pasta + sauce done in just 15 minutes, thanks to this No-Drain Pasta trick #HealthyKitchenHacks via @TspCurry Click To Tweet

Cook everything, uncovered, on medium heat.

No Drain Pasta for One Pot Dinner | @TspCurry

Stir frequently! Otherwise, the pasta will stick together.

Cook until pasta is barely al dente. Spaghetti takes about 15-16 minutes, macaroni takes about 6-7 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the pasta absorb a bit more liquid for about 3 minutes.

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No Drain Pasta for One Pot Dinner | @TspCurry

Creamy Tomato Basil No-Drain Pasta


5 from 1 review

  • Author: Serena Ball

Description

A truly one-pot pasta dinner in just 15 minutes with this no-drain pasta hack. Cook the noodles with the garlic, cheese, and tomatoes so they absorb all the yummy flavors. Top with basil and enjoy!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 9 ounces of whole grain spaghetti (about 2/3’s of a 16-ounce package – just eyeball it)
  • 3 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 1 1/2 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (15-ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese (or 1 3/4 cups of Homemade Ricotta)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Instructions

To a large wide skillet or pot, add all ingredients except basil.

Pour enough water over spaghetti to barely cover, about 2 3/4 cups. Turn heat to medium and cook about 15 minutes until pasta is nearly al dente, stirring frequently to keep pasta from sticking together. About 1/2-inch of liquid should remain.

Turn off heat and let pasta sit for 3 more minutes to absorb a bit more liquid while you tear basil into shreds and sprinkle over pasta. Stir.

Notes

Other ingredients may be added to this basic recipe: quick cooking veggies (like zucchini, tomatoes or shreds of carrots), quick-cooking proteins (shrimp, fish, 3/4-inch chunks of chicken, beans or tofu,) and seasonings (lemon zest, herbs, spices, ricotta or cream cheese).

If adding extra ingredients, add another 1/4-1/2 cup water to pan.

Would you ever start pasta in cold water?!

No need to drain a heavy pot of pasta! Noodles cook right in the creamy sauce making a satisfying (healthy!) dish in just minutes: Creamy Tomato Basil No-Drain Pasta is a great One-Pot Dinner. More Healthy Kitchen Hacks at https://www.pinterest.com/tspcurry/

Jeff Shft

Sunday 6th of January 2019

We shared this creamy tomato basil no-drain pasta this holiday season. Everyone in the family loves it! Every bite burst with happiness, it’s like the heaven opened its gates. This is so good, so thumbs up!

Jennifer Berkey

Tuesday 1st of January 2019

I am loving this pasta recipe. I made it this New Year's Eve Party celebration. My kids love it and they won't stop eating. Thanks for this. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Xoxo.

Kim @ FoodTalko

Monday 21st of May 2018

This looks delicious and healthy!

anne|Craving Something Healthy

Thursday 14th of September 2017

I do pasta this way whenever I can! Best tip ever!

Janice Bissex

Wednesday 13th of September 2017

Can't wait to try this with tomatoes and basil from my garden!

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