Description
Creamy one-pot spaghetti delivers comfort straight from your kitchen, blending rich flavors with minimal cleanup. Home cooks will savor this simple Italian-inspired dish that combines convenience and deliciousness in one satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 8 ounces (8 oz) spaghetti
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- ½ small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (24 ounces) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Create a flavor base by searing ground meat in a spacious pot, breaking it into crumbly bits until rich golden-brown edges develop.
- Infuse aromatic depth by introducing finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to release their fragrant essence and soften slightly.
- Pour marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and savory broth into the meat mixture, incorporating Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
- Gently nestle broken spaghetti strands into the liquid, ensuring complete submersion and even distribution throughout the sauce.
- Cover the pot and allow the pasta to simmer, occasionally stirring to prevent bottom sticking and ensure uniform cooking.
- Monitor pasta texture, testing for al dente tenderness, which typically requires 12-15 minutes of gentle simmering.
- Once pasta reaches perfect consistency, remove from heat and fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese for creamy richness.
- Perform a final seasoning adjustment, tasting and adding salt or pepper as needed.
- Elevate presentation by scattering fresh basil or parsley across the surface, creating a vibrant, inviting one-pot meal ready to be served immediately.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces overall fat content while maintaining delicious flavor.
- Break spaghetti noodles into smaller pieces before adding to ensure even cooking and easier serving in the one-pot method.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with a pinch for mild heat or add more for adventurous palates who enjoy bold flavors.
- For vegetarian version, swap meat with plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms to create a hearty, protein-rich alternative that keeps the dish satisfying.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg