Italian One-Pot Wonder
Fast & Inexpensive Meal Feeds Four
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Are you looking for a quick meal that’s easy on the pocketbook? Do you like Italian dishes? Then you should try this one.
Dee and I came across this recipe and just love it. We make it at least once or twice a month. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it serves four people, making it an ideal family meal or a great option for leftovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 large cabbage
- 1 box of rotini or elbow pasta
- 1 can tomato paste
- 1 large onion
- 1 lb of mild Italian sausage
Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Start by browning the sausage in a large 6-quart stockpot over medium heat. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. This step is crucial as it adds a depth of flavor to the dish. If you can’t find the ground sausage, just buy the links, split the casing and remove the meat.
2. Cook the Pasta:
While the sausage is browning, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to reserve about 1 to 2 cups of the pasta cooking water before draining it. This starchy water will be used later to help create a rich sauce.
3. Sweat the Onion:
Once the sausage is browned, add the chopped onion to the pot. Sweat it down for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. This will enhance the sweetness of the onion and add another layer of flavor to the dish.
4. Caramelize the Tomato Paste:
Add the can of tomato paste to the pot with the onions and sausage. Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently. Caramelizing the tomato paste will intensify its flavor and give the dish a lovely, deep red color.
5. Prepare the Cabbage:
Quarter the large cabbage and add it to the pot. Don’t worry if it looks like too much cabbage; it will cook down significantly. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
6. Add the Reserved Liquid:
Pour in the reserved pasta water, starting with 1 cup and adding more if needed. The liquid helps to cook the cabbage and create a cohesive sauce that binds all the ingredients together. Just add enough of the reserved liquid to steam the cabbage, not cover it completely.
7. Cook the Cabbage:
Cover and allow the cabbage to steam until it is tender, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
8. Combine Everything:
Once the cabbage is tender, add the cooked pasta to the pot. Add salt, pepper and your favorite seasonings to taste. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and mixed well with the other ingredients.
And there you have it! A delicious, hearty Italian One-Pot Wonder that’s ready to serve. This dish is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. The combination of savory sausage, tender cabbage, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich tomato sauce is sure to please everyone at the table.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Vegetables: If you want to sneak in more veggies, consider adding some chopped bell peppers or zucchini when you add the onion. They will cook down nicely and add extra nutrients.
- Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, try using hot Italian sausage instead of mild, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the tomato paste.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top just before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well, making it perfect for lunch the next day. Just add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep it moist.
Dee and I hope you enjoy this Italian One-Pot Wonder as much as we do. It’s become a staple in our meal rotation, and we’re sure it will in yours too.
Happy cooking!