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One pot pasta

Pasta
Pasta

I am not on Tik Tok, but when I am on line with Mascom MySurf, I come across a lot of shared Tik Tok videos and one which resonated with me although I never did try it, was the one pot pasta challenge.

So simple to put together in practically no time at all. Just last week I came across two ladies who have taken the one pot pasta to new levels. They are constantly churning out new recipes using different ingredients to achieve different dishes and still cooking everything in one pot with the same ease. This is what got me intrigued to finally try my hand at a one pot pasta. For me the biggest pro for making a one pot meal is that cleaning up has never been this easy (because I hate cleaning up).

I love to cook, but dishes are not my favourite thing. It really doesn’t help that I do not always clean as I go. Which is one of the top kitchen commandments. To clean as you go makes cooking and dishing so much more pleasant when you know where everything is and you are not running out of kitchen counter space to put things down.

It will take 20 minutes to make this meal in one pot. Throw all the ingredients in a pot or pan and dinner is ready for the entire family! It’s also one of the best pasta dishes ever! Pasta is the easiest homemade weeknight dinner for the entire family. Every home cook loves easy Italian pasta recipes because it’s quick, healthy and made with a few ingredients. This creamy tomato pasta recipe comes together quickly and uses everyday ingredients.

You'll love the silky tomato sauce. Making a creamy tomato pasta sauce from scratch with canned tomatoes is simple! The best part is that it can be ready by the time your pasta has cooked. Perfect for those ‘there ain’t enough time’ weeknights. Canned tomatoes combined with tomato paste, Garlic, Italian seasoning, butter, and cream completes it. Some freshly grated parmesan cheese takes it over the top! This is not to say store bought pasta sauce is out of the question. I believe it comes in handy when there are no tomatoes around or to even reduce the meal prep of this dish.

If there any leftovers of which there most likely will not be, you can freeze the leftover spaghetti/pasta in the refrigerator. You may keep the leftovers in a plastic container, plastic bag, or a pasta bowl covered with cling wrap. To prepare, reheat the leftovers in the microwave for 1 minute before serving. This comes in handy for days where I make a big batch and leave leftovers for the next day’s lunch or for two or three days later.

INGREDIENTS

200g Nutriday plain yoghurt

2 x Chicken breasts

2 Garlic cloves

2 tsp of chilli flakes

1 tin chopped tomato, blended Water Salt and pepper to taste Pasta of your choice (I love Penne but used Spaghetti, it is what was available at hand) Coriander or parsley for garnish (optional). I have Cherry tomatoes on hand. Parmesan, extra chili and garlic to serve if you wish/feta

Instructions

In a large saucepan or wide bottomed pot, sauté the chopped garlic cloves in oil but do not brown. Slice the chicken into pieces at an angle and add to garlic. Add the chili flakes and salt. Once the chicken has cooked, add the blended tomato, and add just enough water to cover the pasta, cook until the pasta has softened. When the tomato mixture starts to thicken, add the Nutriday plain yoghurt. Reduce until desired consistency.* Check seasoning at this stage then add in your chopped herbs. I charred my cherry tomatoes in a very hot pan with a little bit of Willow Creek Olive Oil ensuring I get a nice colour on them for contrast on my pasta. Serve with grated parmesan and extra chili and garlic and a side salad. I didn’t have parmesan and opted to use feta. The meal is equally amazing with no cheese added to it.

Editor's Comment
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