One pot pasta
Added penne, diced onions, quartered cherry tomatoes, sliced 4 cloves of garlic and cut up basil.
Then I added onion and garlic powder, salt, pepper, red pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Drizzled olive oil, added half a jar of tomato sauce, added 1/3 cup of lactose free milk, and added vegetable broth till it covered everything.
I turned the heat on high and covered until I heard it was boiling, then I turned the heat down to medium. I kept mixing every few minutes until all the water evaporated and the pasta was chewy consistency. Finally I topped it with Parmesan and covered for the last 2 minutes to let it melt.
Very delicious vegetable pasta, a lot easier than I thought. The hardest part was cutting the vegetables. Everything came together so well. Nice and tomatoey and creamy.
Overall rating: 10/10
One-pot pasta dishes are a lifesaver when you want to prepare a tasty meal without spending a lot of time or washing multiple pots. I remember the first time I tried making a one-pot pasta similar to this recipe; the key was to add the right amount of liquid so the pasta absorbed the flavors without becoming mushy. Using vegetable broth along with tomato sauce and lactose-free milk creates a rich, creamy base that balances acidity and brings out the best in the vegetables. A tip I found useful is to stir the pasta gently but consistently once the liquid starts boiling to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Adding fragrant herbs like fresh basil and Italian seasoning helps build layers of flavor, making the dish taste more complex than it looks. I also love how Parmesan cheese melts on top at the end, adding a crunchy, savory finish. Preparing the vegetables ahead of time, especially chopping, can streamline the cooking process even more. If you're short on time, frozen vegetables like mixed peppers or spinach can work well too and still complement the tomatoey and creamy sauce beautifully. For those new to one-pot pasta, this recipe offers a fantastic balance of ease, nutrition, and taste. Plus, its adaptability to lactose-free ingredients makes it friendly for dairy-sensitive eaters. Overall, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that's worth trying when you want a fuss-free yet delicious home-cooked meal.