## 🍅 3. One‑Pot Pasta – Fresh, Fast & Flavorful! ✨🌿
A vibrant, saucy pasta dish that practically cooks itself! 🍝 Imagine spaghetti or penne simmering with cherry tomatoes, garlic, onions, basil, and olive oil—all in one pot. As the pasta absorbs the flavorful liquid, it creates a glossy, herb-rich sauce with minimal effort. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s a delight for both the taste buds and clean-up!
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### 📝 Ingredients:
* 300 g spaghetti or penne
* 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes 🍅
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
* 1 L vegetable stock or water
* A handful of torn fresh basil leaves 🌿
* 2 Tbsp olive oil 🫒
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish) 🧀
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### 👩🍳 Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine pasta, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, and vegetable stock. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and gently stir in the torn basil leaves and Parmesan cheese if using.
5. Serve immediately in the pot—no draining required! Enjoy that glossy, saucy goodness. 🤤
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### 💡 Tips & Variations:
* **Veggie boost**: Add sliced zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or olives for extra flavor and texture.
* **Protein upgrade**: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.
* **Spice it up**: Finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle of chili oil. 🌶️
* **Pro tip**: If the sauce seems too liquidy, take the pot off heat just before pasta is fully done—the residual heat continues cooking it through.
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### ✨ Why You’ll Love It:
* **Minimal dishes**: Everything cooks in one pot—cleanup is a breeze.
* **Flavorful simplicity**: Fresh ingredients deliver maximum taste with minimal fuss.
* **Ready fast**: Prep + cook in under 20 minutes—a weeknight dinner lifesaver.
* **Visually appealing**: A rustic, herb-studded pasta that looks as good as it tastes.
