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one pot pasta

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HolidayPairings #CollectiveBias The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older.

2015 is whizzing by. It seems like just yesterday I was cramming everything into my CRV for a big move (just 15 minutes down 1-77) right before Christmas and we were ringing in the New Year at Coyote Joe’s (by the way, that was the best time. They had me at line dancing and free champagne toast). With Halloween in the rear view mirror, we’re speeding toward my favorite time of year with no time to pump the breaks. With Thanksgiving only three weeks ago, before we know it we’ll be picking out the perfect tree and decking the halls. So while I’m not quite ready to bust out all of my read and green and listen to Christmas carols on repeat, I’ve definitely started planning ahead!

one pot pasta

The thing I love most about the holidays is the time I get to spend with everyone I love. We’re hosting Thanksgiving this year and will have guests staying with us for a few days. Then, our calendar is booked up with celebrations: holiday parties, gift exchanges, nights with friends and a few bottles of wine, before we head up to stay with my family for Christmas. While it’s a hectic time of year, it’s also so full of celebration and fun, so I’ve learned by planning ahead I can soak up and enjoy the time with my family and friends, rather than getting stressed out.

One of the keys to holiday entertaining, whether your hosting your family for a few days or having your friends over for a Secret Santa gift exchange, is having a stocked pantry and easy recipes at your fingertips so you won’t be stuck behind the scenes while everyone else is having all the fun.  This one pot pasta is one of those recipes you have to add to your list!!!

My first stop was at Walmart to all of the ingredients for the one pot pasta (plus a few extra boxes of Barilla Pronto Pasta and some jars of Barilla pasta sauce for some easy weeknight meals). While I was there, I made sure to grab a few other things to get ready for when we have guests over, or are headed out to a holiday party (read: wine and sweets). I picked up a few boxes of Pepperidge Farm Chocolate Cookie Collection (AJ loves chocolate), and a few bottles of Mark West Pinot Noir (it’s always a good idea to have wine on hand at home, and the holidays are no exception). I love that I could get everything all in one place; and was really impressed with Walmart’s selection of premium, yet affordable, wine (before you head to Walmart to prep for the busy holiday cooking season, make sure to visit the Simple Entertaining hub, to learn about wine tastings and other holiday entertaining demos at your local store).

holiday entertaining at wal-mart

This one pot pasta is so easy and so flavorful. Pour yourself a glass of wine and get to chopping.

one pot pasta

Once the tomatoes, onion and garlic are all choppped up, pour the penne into a pot or straight sided skillet, and cover with 3 cups of water (with Barilla Pronto penne, there’s no waiting for water to boil, and there’s no draining, you just add cold water before you start cooking). one pot pastaThrow everything else into the pot with the pasta, and put it on the stove to cook on high for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

one pot pasta

While the pasta is cooking, shred some fresh Parmesean.

one pot pasta

Before serving, toss the pasta with a little more olive oil and a healthy dose of cheese (my mantra is there’s never too much cheese). Seriously, so easy.

one pot pasta

While one pot pasta is simple, it’s full of flavor. While it simmers away for 10 minutes, the tomato, basil, garlic and red pepper infuse their flavors into the pasta, and the result is totally divine. The pasta is delicious and light; it’s full of classic, fresh flavors like basil, tomato, onion and garlic, is finished with a bit of olive oil, and has a little spicy kick. It’s definitely a great meal to serve in between feasts of turkey, stuffing and pie!

one pot pasta

One pot pasta also pairs perfectly with two other holiday must haves: wine and cookies (am I right?). Pour your guests (and yourself!) a glass of Pinot Noir, which compliments the light, bright flavors of the one pot pasta. I love red wine, so we usually have a couple different varieties in our wine cabinet, and Pinot Noir is one of my favorites (Pinot Noir is my mom’s favorite wine too, so like mother, like daughter). My go to recently is Mark West’s Pinot Noir; I love the subtle, smooth flavor, and the affordable price. And no meal is complete without a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth. A box of Pepperidge Farm Cookie Collection is the perfect a quick and easy dessert to end a meal (as much as I’d like to, there’s no way I could spend all day in the kitchen baking a fresh batch of cookies everyday, so Pepperidge Farm Cookie Collection delivers the elegance and flavor without being stuck in the kitchen!). And since chocolate and red wine are such a classic pairing, make sure you top off your guests’ wine glasses before moving on to dessert!

pepperidge farm cookie collection

With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I plan on making this one pot pasta several times over the next few months; especially for our Thanksgiving guests, an easy weeknight dinner after a long day at the office, and maybe even for a wine night with friends in December.

For more holiday entertaining ideas, visit the Simple Entertaining hub! What are some of your favorite holiday entertaining recipes, tips and tricks?

one pot pasta

one pot pasta

Ingredients

  • 1 box Barilla Pronto penne pasta
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2-3 sprigs basil
  • 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (use less if you are spice averse!)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more to finish
  • 3 cups water
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

  • Combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, red-pepper flakes, basil, oil, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and water in a large pot. Place pot on the stove over high heat. Stir pasta occasionally, until pasta is al dente about 9-10 minutes.
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    4 Comments

    1. 2015 did fly by! I love how easy this dish is to make. We always host around the holidays – for long weekends – this is a great go-to dish for houseguests when I want to make something delicious, fast. Add in the wine, cookies – and you’ve got happy guests! [client]

    2. I love the fresh ingredients in this pasta dish! This is the perfect meal for entertaining or a busy weeknight! [client]

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