One Pot Pasta Recipe

This One Pot Pasta is the ultimate quick and easy dinner solution—creamy, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Everything, including the pasta, cooks in a single pot, which means fewer dishes and maximum flavor! Made with simple ingredients like garlic, onions, tomatoes, and Parmesan, it’s a comforting, versatile meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot magic – Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pan.
• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Creamy and flavorful – The pasta absorbs all the flavors while cooking in the sauce.
• Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or spices.
• Family-friendly – A hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite shape)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for creaminess)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

1. Sauté the aromatics:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
• Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Add pasta and liquids:

• Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
• Add uncooked pasta and stir to combine.

3. Cook the pasta:

• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
• Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

4. Finish the dish:

• Stir in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream (if using) until melted and creamy.
• Adjust seasoning as needed.

5. Serve:

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Protein-Packed Pasta: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
• Vegetable One Pot Pasta: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Lemon Herb Pasta: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and extra fresh herbs for a bright, zesty flavor.
• Cheesy Pasta Bake: Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until bubbly.
• Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as gluten-free pasta tends to cook faster.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best, but spaghetti or linguine also cook well in one-pot meals.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, use 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes and add a little extra broth to compensate for the liquid.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally during cooking and make sure there’s enough liquid covering the pasta.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free cheese alternative and skip the heavy cream or use coconut cream for creaminess.

Why is my pasta too watery?

Let the dish cook uncovered for the last few minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate, or cook for a few extra minutes.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your pot is large enough to accommodate the extra liquid and pasta.

What herbs work best in this recipe?

Oregano, basil, thyme, parsley, and rosemary all work beautifully in this dish.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, replace ½ cup of the broth with white wine for extra depth of flavor.

How do I make the sauce creamier?

Add extra Parmesan cheese or increase the amount of heavy cream for a richer texture.

Conclusion

This Easy One Pot Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and hassle-free dish perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without the mess. With endless customization options and minimal cleanup, this pasta is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Serve it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal everyone will love!

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