One Pot Pasta – The Ultimate Weeknight Wonder
When life gets busy and dinner feels like a chore, One Pot Pasta comes to the rescue. Imagine throwing dry pasta, veggies, aromatics, and broth into a single pot — and out comes a silky, flavorful, creamy dish that tastes like it simmered for hours. This is Italian-inspired comfort food at its best: simple, satisfying, and mess-free.
Perfect for lazy evenings, meal prep, or even impressing dinner guests without the fuss, this recipe is a true kitchen hero. Let’s dive into how to make the best-ever One Pot Pasta — rich, comforting, and ready in about 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One pot, no mess. Everything cooks together — pasta, sauce, and seasonings — for minimal cleanup.
- ✅ Ready in under 30 minutes. From chopping to serving, dinner is fast and effortless.
- ✅ Packed with flavor. Garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan make every bite pop.
- ✅ Customizable. Add proteins, swap veggies, or make it creamy — your call.
- ✅ Family favorite. Even picky eaters can’t resist a big bowl of this creamy pasta.
Ingredients
For the One Pot Pasta:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine (uncooked)
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creamier texture)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Lemon wedge (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the base:
In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté until fragrant and translucent — about 2–3 minutes. - Add tomatoes:
Toss in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to blister and release their juices, around 5 minutes. This creates a natural sauce base packed with flavor. - Add the pasta and broth:
Place the uncooked spaghetti directly into the pot. Pour in the broth, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring to a gentle boil. - Season it:
Stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix everything gently so the pasta doesn’t clump. - Simmer and cook:
Lower the heat to medium and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will absorb most of the liquid, and the starch will thicken the sauce. - Creamy finish (optional):
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the heavy cream for a luxurious texture. Cook for 1–2 more minutes to combine. - Add cheese and herbs:
Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Fold in chopped basil for a burst of freshness. - Serve and enjoy:
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil. A squeeze of lemon adds brightness to balance the richness.
One Pot Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
- Add pasta and pour in broth, ensuring noodles are mostly submerged.
- Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Stir in cream, Parmesan, and basil. Toss until creamy and serve hot.
Notes
Tips for Perfect One Pot Pasta
- Use quality pasta. The starch content affects sauce thickness. Bronze-cut pastas hold sauce better.
- Don’t overcook. The pasta continues to absorb liquid even off heat. Stop when al dente.
- Balance the liquid. Different pastas absorb differently. Add a splash more broth if needed.
- Make it creamy. Stir in cream cheese, mascarpone, or even a spoon of ricotta for indulgence.
- Boost the flavor. A splash of white wine or squeeze of lemon adds a gourmet touch.
Variations
- 🥩 Beef Lover’s Twist: Add browned ground beef or Italian sausage before the broth.
- 🐔 Chicken Upgrade: Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken near the end for added protein.
- 🌱 Vegetarian Style: Skip the meat and load it up with zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
- 🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or diced chili for heat.
- 🧀 Cheesy Comfort: Stir in mozzarella or provolone for a stretchy, melty sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your One Pot Pasta with:
- A side of garlic bread or crusty baguette
- A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables or grilled chicken
- A glass of chilled white wine (if desired!)
This dish is perfect for cozy nights in, family dinners, or when you want Italian comfort without the cleanup nightmare.
Storage & Reheating
- To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat: Add a splash of broth or milk and warm gently over low heat to revive the creamy texture.
- To freeze: Not ideal for freezing due to dairy, but you can freeze without the cream and add it fresh when reheating.
Fun Facts & Origins
“One Pot Pasta” might sound like a modern TikTok trend, but the idea of cooking pasta and sauce together traces back to Italian nonnas who wanted to save time and keep flavors concentrated. The method gained worldwide fame when chef Martha Stewart popularized it in the 2010s — and since then, it’s become a beloved staple for busy cooks everywhere.
In true Italian fashion, this recipe celebrates simplicity: a few good ingredients, a single pot, and a lot of love.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Conclusion
One Pot Pasta isn’t just a recipe — it’s a reminder that comfort and convenience can coexist beautifully. With its rich sauce, minimal cleanup, and adaptable flavor base, this dish earns a permanent place in your weeknight rotation.
Whether you’re feeding a family, cooking for one, or impressing guests with minimal effort, this pasta proves that great meals don’t need to be complicated — just deliciously intentional.
