One pot pasta
One pot pasta is the kind of meal that quietly saves dinner on busy days. Everything cooks together in a single pot, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. People love it because it’s comforting, filling, and flexible enough to work with what’s already in the fridge. It’s perfect for weeknights, family meals, or cold evenings when you want something warm without extra effort. The pasta absorbs all the flavors as it cooks, creating a cozy, saucy texture that feels familiar and satisfying. I usually start this while the kitchen is still calm, letting the pot do most of the work while I finish up other things.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is built for real life. The flavors come together naturally as everything cooks in one pot, so nothing feels complicated or fussy. It’s easy enough for beginners and forgiving if measurements aren’t exact. You can stretch it with vegetables, make it heartier with protein, or keep it simple when the budget is tight. Leftovers hold up well, which makes it great for lunches or another quick dinner later in the week. Meals like this are cozy, weeknight-friendly, and crowd-pleasing without trying too hard. One pot pasta fits into busy routines and still feels comforting, which is why so many people save it to make again.
Ingredients
Tip: Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work best because they cook evenly and hold sauce well.
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out all ingredients. Keep everything nearby so you can add it easily. This helps the cooking stay relaxed and prevents overcooking while searching for ingredients.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and lightly golden. Stir in the garlic and let it release its aroma without browning.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add the dry pasta, crushed tomatoes, water or broth, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Stir well so the pasta is mostly covered by liquid and nothing sticks to the bottom.
Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally as the pasta softens and the sauce thickens. When the pasta is tender and glossy, remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days
This recipe saves time because everything cooks in one pot, from start to finish. There’s no need to boil pasta separately or manage multiple pans. It’s easy to double, stores well, and reheats without losing texture. For Pinterest cooks who plan meals ahead, it’s reassuring to know this dish waits patiently for when life slows down enough to cook.
Tips & Tricks
Variations
Meaty Version
Add cooked ground chicken, beef, or sausage after sautéing the onion. Stir it in before adding the pasta and liquid so the flavors blend together. This makes the dish more filling and works well for bigger appetites.
Vegetarian Option
Stir in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach during the simmer. These vegetables soften quickly and add texture without extra steps. Use vegetable broth for a deeper flavor while keeping it plant-based.
Ingredient Swap
Swap crushed tomatoes for cream or milk for a lighter-colored sauce. Reduce the liquid slightly and watch closely while cooking. This creates a softer, creamy base with the same one-pot ease.
Flavor or Herb Boost
Finish with fresh basil, parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes. These small additions wake up the flavors and make leftovers taste fresh again without changing the main recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Storage Instructions
Recipe Timing
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Each serving contains roughly 380–450 calories, depending on pasta and cheese used. Protein ranges from 12–18 grams per serving. The dish also provides carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of calcium from the cheese. Values are estimates and may vary by ingredients or portion size.
FAQs
Conclusion
This recipe is meant to be easy, flexible, and comforting. You can change the ingredients, adjust the seasoning, or reuse leftovers in a new way without stress. It’s the kind of meal that fits into busy routines while still feeling warm and satisfying. One pot pasta is worth saving because it adapts to your kitchen and your schedule. Make it once, then make it your own the next time, and enjoy those quiet moments when dinner comes together without extra effort.
One pot pasta
Course: Pasta Recipes4
servings10
minutes20
minutes420
kcalA simple one pot pasta recipe made in a single pan with rich flavor and minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or quick comfort meals.
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: 1 cup spinach or mushrooms
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
- Add pasta, crushed tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan and optional vegetables. Cook 2–3 minutes. Serve hot.
