Effortless One Pot Pasta Recipe: A Cozy Dinner Solution

When hunger strikes and time is short, a speedy one pot pasta recipe becomes the ultimate kitchen savior.

Busy home cooks know the magic of minimizing dishes while maximizing flavor.

This recipe streamlines dinner preparation with simple ingredients and effortless technique.

Each step flows smoothly, reducing cleanup and stress from traditional cooking methods.

Tender pasta absorbs rich seasonings, creating a delectable meal in less than 30 minutes.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delicious and convenient.

Prepare to transform your evening meal with this straightforward, comforting dish that promises satisfaction in every bite.

How To Cook One Pot Pasta Recipe Easily

• Fire Up the Flavor Base

Warm a big pot with olive oil and toss in chopped onions. Let them dance and soften for a few minutes. Drop in garlic and let it sizzle until its aroma fills the kitchen.

• Liquid Magic Merge

Pour in pasta, broth, and seasonings. Stir everything so the pasta takes a nice liquid bath. Make sure all ingredients get friendly with each other.

• Transform Pasta

Crank the heat to boiling, then dial it down. Cover the pot and let magic happen. Stir occasionally while pasta drinks up the delicious liquid, becoming tender and juicy.

• Green and Creamy Finale

Tumble in fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach. Watch the greens wilt beautifully. Sprinkle Parmesan and drizzle cream to create a silky, luxurious sauce that hugs every pasta curve.

• Plate with Passion

Top with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a crisp salad for a meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Add-On Ideas For One Pot Pasta Recipe

• Perfect Pasta Preparation: Let pasta absorb liquid slowly to achieve creamy, restaurant-quality texture without draining extra water.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, plant-based version that maintains rich flavor profile.
• Protein Power-Up: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or plant-based protein like white beans to transform this one-pot wonder into a complete meal with extra nutritional boost.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference – use a pinch for mild warmth or increase for a spicier kick that elevates the dish's complexity.
• Leftover Magic: Store remaining pasta in airtight container for 3-4 days, gently reheating with splash of broth to restore original creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

Ways To Serve One Pot Pasta Recipe Fresh

• Fresh Salad Companion: Whip up a crisp mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to complement the creamy pasta's richness.
• Garlic Bread Delight: Toast crusty Italian bread slices brushed with garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a perfect crunchy side that soaks up the pasta's delicious sauce.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Select a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the pasta's creamy texture and enhance the meal's overall flavor profile.
• Herb Garnish Boost: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh note and elevate the dish's visual appeal and aromatic qualities.

Storing And Reheating One Pot Pasta Recipe

• Smart Meal Planning Strategies
• Advance Prep Magic: Chop onions, garlic, and tomatoes ahead of time in a sealed container, keeping them fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. This trick saves 10-15 minutes during actual cooking.
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Double the recipe and store extra portions in airtight containers. Refrigerated pasta stays delicious for 3-4 days, perfect for quick lunches or busy weeknight dinners.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Allow pasta to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention when reheated gently on stovetop.
• Leftover Transformation: Revive cold pasta by adding a splash of broth or cream while reheating. Stir consistently to maintain creamy texture and prevent sticking, creating a fresh-tasting meal instantly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside One Pot Pasta Recipe

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for sautéing and adds depth of flavor to the dish.
• Onion: Builds a sweet, aromatic base that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Garlic: Delivers a pungent, zesty kick that elevates the entire recipe's complexity.

• Pasta: Acts as the hearty core of the meal, choosing a short variety ensures even cooking.
• Broth: Creates a silky cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with robust flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a Mediterranean herb blend that adds complexity and warmth.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle, spicy undertone for those who enjoy a gentle heat.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and enhance all other ingredients.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Provides bright, juicy bursts of freshness and beautiful color.
• Spinach: Adds nutritional value and a vibrant green element to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty, nutty richness that creates a creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Helps develop a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta.
• Fresh Basil: Offers a final aromatic garnish with a clean, herbal note.

Cooking Tools For One Pot Pasta Recipe

• Large Pot or Deep Skillet: Essential for sauteing aromatics and cooking the entire pasta dish in one pan.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing pasta from sticking.
• Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping onions and garlic precisely.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and salt.
• Measuring Cup: Useful for measuring broth and liquid ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

Speedy One Pot Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

One-pot pasta from Italy blends simplicity and flavor in a delightful culinary experience. Rich ingredients meld together seamlessly, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Aromatic Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onions until translucent, then quickly toast minced garlic to release its rich fragrance.
2. Liquid Harmony: Add pasta, broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly combine ingredients, ensuring pasta is fully submerged in liquid.
3. Cooking Transformation: Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture and liquid significantly reduces.
4. Final Embellishment: Incorporate cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves, allowing greens to wilt. Blend in Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, creating a velvety sauce that lavishly coats each pasta strand.
5. Serving Presentation: Plate the aromatic creation, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Pair with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Optimize Onion Sautéing: Dice onions uniformly for even cooking and translucent texture; use medium heat to prevent burning and ensure soft, sweet flavor development.
• Liquid Ratio Management: Maintain precise liquid-to-pasta proportion to achieve perfect al dente consistency; add extra broth gradually if pasta appears too dry during cooking.
• Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from clumping or sticking to pot bottom; use a wide, flat utensil for gentle mixing.
• Cream Sauce Control: Add Parmesan and cream off direct heat to prevent sauce separation; stir continuously for smooth, silky texture without curdling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg