Martha Stewart’s One Pot Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish, but pairing it with the right sides and drinks can elevate the entire meal. A warm, crusty loaf of Italian or French bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce, adding a satisfying texture to each bite.
To balance the richness of the pasta, a fresh mixed green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a citrusy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast. For an added touch of comfort, garlic breadsticks are a perfect accompaniment, with their flaky, buttery texture complementing the flavors of the pasta.
Together, these pairings not only enhance the taste but also bring color and variety to the table, making for a delightful dining experience.
Martha Stewart's One Pot Pasta is a streamlined, flavorful dish made from pasta, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs cooked together in a single pot. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With a handful of ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that’s pleasing to both the eyes and the palate.
The concept is particularly appealing for busy home cooks. You can whip this up quickly on a weeknight or prepare it in advance for gatherings. With just a few easy steps, you have a delicious meal that doesn’t require a lot of fuss.
1. Convenience of One-Pot Cooking
In our fast-paced lives, convenience is king. Cooking pasta in one pot means fewer dishes to wash—a blessing when time is scarce. The method also ensures that the pasta absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce, enhancing the overall taste.
2. Fresh Ingredients Shine
Using fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, onions, and garlic showcases seasonal produce. You can taste the difference when using high-quality ingredients. The simplicity highlights their natural flavors.
3. Versatility and Customization
One of the greatest strengths of this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have at home. Don’t have capers? That’s okay! Substituting with olives or even sun-dried tomatoes can work wonders.
4. Nutritionally Balanced
This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s nutritious too. Packed with vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and the energy from pasta, it makes for a satisfying meal. It aligns well with a balanced diet, allowing you to feel good about what you eat.
To whip up Martha Stewart’s One Pot Pasta, gather these ingredients:
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Slice the onion and garlic. Halve the tomatoes. This small step simplifies the cooking process.
In a large pot, combine the linguine pasta, water, olive oil, sliced onion, garlic, tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, basil, balsamic vinegar, and capers. Season with salt and pepper.
Set the pot over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil while stirring occasionally. This helps ensure the pasta doesn’t stick together.
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium and allow it to simmer uncovered. Stir frequently for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid reduces to a silky sauce.
Remove the pot from the heat. Toss in additional basil leaves for a fresh touch. Serve hot and top with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Once your One Pot Pasta has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, it’s best to freeze it. Just make sure to portion it into freezer-friendly bags or containers.
When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce.
1. Garlic Bread
Nothing says Italian like garlic bread. Crunchy bread brushed with garlic butter makes the perfect tool for scooping up every last bit of sauce. You can even sprinkle some parmesan on top before toasting it for added richness.
2. Caprese Salad
A fresh Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a cool contrast to the warm pasta. Drizzle with balsamic reduction for a sweet note that ties the meal together beautifully.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Tossing some seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus in olive oil and roasting until caramelized brings added depth. They also contribute an extra serving of veggies with minimal effort.
1. Pasta Swaps
If you’re out of linguine, any pasta shape will work. Try penne or farfalle for a different texture.
2. Oil Choices
If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil, grapeseed or avocado oil can serve as alternatives. They will provide a different flavor but will still yield great results.
3. Tomato Varieties
Canned diced tomatoes can substitute for fresh tomatoes. Just drain them slightly to avoid excess moisture.
4. Herbs on Hand
In the absence of basil, use dried Italian herbs or even oregano. Fresh herbs always bring better flavors, but dried can do in a pinch.
Martha Stewart's One Pot Pasta is a shining example of how simple ingredients can create meals that are both satisfying and delicious. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, versatility, and ability to combine fresh flavors into a cohesive meal.
Whether served on a busy weeknight or as a part of a family gathering, it never fails to impress.
Armed with the tips and tricks shared here, you can master this recipe and adapt it to your tastes. Remember, cooking is an adventure that allows for creativity, so use the foundation of this dish as a jumping-off point.
Happy cooking!
When I first came across Martha Stewart's One Pot Pasta, I was intrigued. The idea of cooking pasta and sauce together in one pot sounded revolutionary. I thought back to my own kitchen experiences—so often, I juggled multiple pots and pans.
One pot? It was music to my ears.
This dish is not just about ease; it’s rich in flavor, too. Combining simple, fresh ingredients, this recipe showcases everything I love about Italian cooking.
Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this one pot wonder can do it all.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I’m Kelly Blackford, a registered dietitian and the creator of Easy Meals to Cook. My passion is helping busy individuals and families create simple, nutritious meals without the stress of complicated techniques. Through my blog, I share easy, budget-friendly recipes designed to make home cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone.