What’s easier than a good one-pot meal, right?! Who’s with me? We always have pasta in our pantry for rushed evenings where we need a quick and nutritious meal. These easy one-pot pasta dinners hit the spot for busy weeknights.
Why the dietitian in me loves pasta:
If I were to choose one favourite food, it would most certainly be pasta. And my kids would agree! Some of our favourite dishes centre around pasta — Squash Mac & Cheese, Spaghetti, Lasagna, Green Superhero Pasta and this Greek Pasta Bake, just to name a few! It’s comforting, nourishing and fun to eat. It reminds me of my childhood too, because my mom used to make the absolute BEST pasta dishes that my brothers and I loved. As a registered dietitian who teaches and practices food neutrality, I often reflect on, not only the nutritional value of foods, but also the other values that food brings such as connection, celebration, and creating memories. Pasta is one of those foods that offers multiple values, don’t you think?
A balanced meal, all in one!
One-pot meals are a busy parent’s dream. Not having to worry about a huge mess or multiple dishes to clean, and throwing everything into one pot (making a complete, balanced and nutritious meal!) is the best. To create a balanced meal, you need at least three items: a protein-rich food (like meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu), a whole grain or starch (like pasta, rice, barley, oats, bread) and a vegetable and/or fruit).
I suggest having 4-5 items at the table for variety, but 3 is a minimum to make it balanced nutritionally. All of these one-pot pasta dishes are balanced meals! I would add in a veggie tray or salad, and maybe another quick and easy protein option (like nuts, cheese or milk) and you’re good to go!
What about kids that don’t love “mixed dishes”?
Some kiddos don’t love mixed meals (like casseroles, lasagna, chili, soups etc.), especially if they’re still learning to enjoy certain foods (aka going through a picky eating phase). This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t serve them though, because they need multiple positive exposures in order to learn to like a food, but what it means is that they may not take as much as you’d like, AND that you should consider offering a “considerate food” on the table as well so that they have something to eat in the case that they’re not ready to try the mixed dish. What this might look like is having the Mexican mac and cheese, as well as some bread, a salad, and a fruit tray.
Make a point of sitting down and eating yourself
And even if you’re in a rush, don’t forget to feed yourself. Sit down (even for 10 minutes) with your child, and enjoy our food together. Family meals and the best way to model mindful and varied eating, and a great way to bond with your little one too. I often find that if I don’t make a point of doing this, I forget to eat myself and it catches up with me later!
These dishes make great leftovers and school lunch options as well. You can either heat them up in a thermos or serve them cold – my kids like leftovers cold, which I find easier (and more food-safe as well).
Here are my top 3 one-pot pasta dinners for busy weeknights:
This easy and kid-friendly all-in-one nutritious and delicious Mexican Mac and Cheese will become a staple in your house in no time!
This super simple, Mediterranean-inspired, dietitian-approved one-pot pasta dish will become a go-to family favorite in no time. You literally just throw all of the ingredients into a pot!
There’s nothing quite like a comforting, tasty and nutritious one-pot pasta dish (that takes no time at all to make!) on a busy weeknight. Your kiddos will love it too!
One-Pot Pasta Dinners: Vegetarian Mac and Cheese
This easy and kid-friendly all-in-one nutritious and delicious Mexican Mac and Cheese will become a staple in your house in no time!
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4-5 mini carrots, diced
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin
- salt to taste
- 2 - 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
- 1 - 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 - 15 oz can lentils, rinsed and drained
- green onion
- 2 1/2 cups cheese
- 1 package of macaroni noodles
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup green onion, diced
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and carrots and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, until tender and aromatic.
- Add garlic chili powder, cumin, and salt to the pan with the vegetables and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds. Stir in the diced tomatoes, Catelli Smart Veggie pasta, beans, lentils and water. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is "al dente" about 12-15 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in most of the cheese, reserving a little for sprinkling on top. Sprinkle on the remaining cheese and chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Dear, can I make it without “italian Sausage”?
Sure can!
I have the same blue lunch box. I’ve never put anything warm in one of the compartments. This could be a real game changer! Do you send the leftovers warm or cold?
Hi Stacy. I would send them cold (ie. cold-pasta salad). It’s important to serve and keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. If I was to send hot pasta I would probably put in a different container, so they could heat up individually, or send in a thermos. Hope this helps!
Cooking is my favorite pass time on weekends and on every weekend I try something new. This time I going to try your healthy one pot pasta dinners recipe.
Great idea! Hope you enjoy.
I’ve never tried one pot pasta, but it really sounds like an easy option… will have to try one of these healthy options soon.
when i make this first time it experience is unforgettable after that but i will make it daily in the morning this experience in this website is wonderful whenever pain on my head then i make for my stress release i love this
Glad to hear you love cooking as much as me!