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One Pot Pasta Recipes

One Pot Pasta Recipes

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A fast, easy, and comforting one-pot pasta recipe that minimizes cleanup and maximizes joy, perfect for busy family dinners. It's incredibly versatile, allowing for various substitutions and additions to suit any preference without sacrificing nutrition or taste.

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces Uncooked Pasta
1 (14.5 ounce) can Canned Diced Tomatoes (undrained)
4 cups Vegetable Broth
5 ounces Fresh Spinach
4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
1 medium Yellow Onion (chopped)
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated, for serving)
1/4 cup Fresh Basil (chopped, for serving)
To taste Salt and Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Aromatics: Take a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and set it over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and becomes translucent
  2. Combine Ingredients: Add the uncooked pasta, diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the pot. Carefully stir everything together to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid
  3. Simmer and Stir: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking
  4. Add Spinach (and other quick-cooking veggies): After 10-12 minutes, check the pasta for doneness. It should be nearly al dente. Now, add the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir it in until it wilts completely, which usually takes only 1-2 minutes
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. The sauce should be creamy and coating the pasta. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Divide the one-pot pasta among bowls, garnish with the remaining Parmesan and fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly prepared one-pot pasta!

Notes

Use a large pot or Dutch oven to comfortably hold all ingredients, especially long pasta, to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Stir frequently while the pasta simmers, especially during the first few minutes, to prevent sticking and help release starches for a creamy sauce.

Check pasta doneness a minute or two before the package suggests; aim for al dente as it will continue to cook slightly after being removed from heat.

Season generously with salt and pepper at the end; pasta and broth absorb a lot of salt during cooking, so tasting and adjusting is vital.

Add quick-cooking ingredients like delicate greens (spinach) and fresh herbs towards the very end to maintain their vibrant color and fresh taste.

To store leftovers, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess.

If the sauce is too watery, remove the lid for the last few minutes of cooking to allow liquid to evaporate, or stir in a cornstarch slurry. If too thick, add a splash more broth or water until desired consistency.

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