Weather: 21 degrees, sunshine
What I’m listening to: Desert Song, Hillsong
This recipe reminded me a lot of my One Pot Macaroni and Cheese. Same idea – put all the ingredients in one pot, including the uncooked noodles, and cook it all together. It’s eliminates some dirty pots and pans and the need for a strainer and all the flavors get cooked right into the noodles, thickening the sauce as it simmers.
Disclaimer: this method is not for pasta purists. Cooking the noodles this way does give them a slightly different texture than cooking them the traditional way – in boiling, salted water until al dente. But, if you’re the type of person who enjoys a hearty, home-cooked meal made easier by combining a few steps, then this one is definitely for you. Personally, I could go either way. I fully appreciate spaghetti the traditional way, but I also enjoyed mixing it up a little bit with this recipe and trying something new. One thing I really enjoyed about this method is the way the sauce perfectly coats the noodles because the starch from the noodles is in the sauce, leaving a consistency that was neither too thick nor too thin.
One Pot Spaghetti with Mushrooms
Adapted from [Better Homes and Gardens|http://www.bhg.com/recipe/pasta/one-pot-spaghetti/]
Yields: 4 servings
- 1/2lb italian sausage
- 1c sliced fresh mushrooms
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 (6oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (14.5oz) can chicken or beef broth
- 1-3/4c water
- splash of balsamic vinegar
- 1t italian seasoning
- 1/4t salt
- 2t sugar
- pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6oz spaghetti, broken
- parmesan cheese
In a large pot over medium heat, brown the italian sausage. Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic and cook, stirring often, about 3-4 minutes or until onions and mushrooms are tender. Stir in the tomato paste.
Add the broth, water, vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil. Add the broken spaghetti, stirring to separate and submerge under the surface of the sauce. Bring back to a boil, reduce heat, and boil gently, uncovered, 17-20 minutes (or until spaghetti is tender and sauce is desired consistency), stirring frequently.
Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Serve with grated parmesan cheese.