Speedy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe

Hassle-Free One Pot Spaghetti Recipe Everyone Will Love

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that won’t compromise on flavor.

This speedy one pot spaghetti recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal in mere minutes.

Pasta lovers rejoice as you simplify cooking with a single pan that captures every savory note.

The genius of this method lies in developing rich, deep flavors while minimizing cleanup time.

Each twirl of pasta promises a perfect blend of herbs, sauce, and tender noodles that dance on your palate.

Busy home cooks can whip up this comforting dish faster than ordering takeout.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-quality meal without the complicated steps or mountain of dishes.

Tasty Tweaks For One Pot Spaghetti Recipe

  • Meat Swap Magic: Easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option.
  • Veggie Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers during the cooking process to increase nutrition and add more flavor complexity.
  • Cheese Lover's Twist: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top just before serving for a creamy, rich finish that elevates the entire dish.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference – use less for mild flavor or increase for a spicier kick that'll warm up your meal.

Serve One Pot Spaghetti Recipe Hot And Saucy

  • Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Brighten the one-pot spaghetti with a generous garnish of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving, adding vibrant color and a burst of fresh flavor.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Top each serving with a handful of grated parmesan or sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, creating a melty, creamy texture that enhances the dish's richness.
  • Garlic Bread Companion: Serve alongside crispy, buttery garlic bread or toasted Italian bread slices to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the comforting meal.
  • Side Salad Pairing: Add a light, crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory spaghetti.

Store One Pot Spaghetti Recipe For Later

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover one-pot spaghetti in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Cooling Technique: Allow the dish to cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. This prevents condensation and maintains optimal texture.
  • Reheating Magic: Revive cold spaghetti by adding a splash of beef broth or water when microwaving. Stir midway through heating to distribute warmth evenly and restore original moisture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to preserve flavor and prevent pasta from becoming mushy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside One Pot Spaghetti Recipe

For Proteins and Aromatics:
  • Ground Beef: Rich and hearty protein base that adds depth and texture to the one-pot meal.
  • Onion: Provides sweet, caramelized flavor foundation and aromatic depth to the dish.
  • Garlic: Intense, pungent flavor enhancer that adds complexity and traditional Italian character.
For Seasonings:
  • Salt: Essential flavor amplifier that balances and highlights other ingredients.
  • Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and subtle spicy undertone to enhance overall taste.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that delivers authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces optional subtle heat and vibrant spiciness to the dish.
For Liquid and Pasta Components:
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that creates rich, tangy cooking liquid.
  • Beef Broth: Adds moisture and enhances savory depth of the entire one-pot meal.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Provides fresh tomato chunks and additional liquid for cooking pasta.
  • Spaghetti: Classic pasta shape that absorbs flavors and creates hearty, satisfying texture.
  • Olive Oil: Creates initial cooking base and helps prevent sticking during preparation.

Tools To Cook One Pot Spaghetti Recipe Fast

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the entire one-pot meal, with enough space to brown meat and cook pasta.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients without scratching the pot's surface.
  • Chef's Knife: Needed for chopping onions and mincing garlic quickly and efficiently.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately adding salt, pepper, and seasonings.
  • Colander (optional): Can be used for draining excess liquid if needed, though not strictly necessary for this recipe.

Steps To Make One Pot Spaghetti Recipe Easy

  • Brown Savory Ground Beef

Heat a large pot and sizzle ground beef until it develops a rich, golden color. Crush and break the meat while cooking to ensure even browning. Add aromatic onions and garlic, sprinkling in Italian herbs and a touch of red pepper for extra kick.

  • Create Liquid Base

Pour marinara sauce and beef broth into the pot, stirring to combine all the delicious flavors. Gently nestle spaghetti noodles into the liquid, ensuring they’re completely submerged without excessive stirring.

  • Simmer to Perfection

Cover the pot and let everything bubble gently on low heat. The magic happens as pasta absorbs the savory liquid and transforms into a creamy, comforting meal. Occasionally peek and stir to prevent sticking. Cook until noodles reach tender deliciousness and sauce thickens into a luscious coating.

Print
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Speedy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe

Speedy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Delightful one pot spaghetti combines classic Italian flavors with simple home cooking techniques. Pasta lovers will savor this quick, hearty meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to dinner tables everywhere.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti, broken in half
  • 1 (24 oz/680 g) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 (14 oz/397 g) can diced tomatoes
  • 3 cups (710 ml) beef broth (or water)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Sizzling Base: In a large pot, heat olive oil and introduce ground beef. Crumble and sear the meat until golden-brown, releasing its deep, meaty flavor profile.
  2. Aromatic Infusion: Add onions, garlic, and seasonings to the meat. Sauté until the ingredients merge, creating a fragrant and robust flavor foundation that will elevate the entire dish.
  3. Liquid Symphony: Pour marinara sauce, beef broth, and diced tomatoes into the pot. Carefully submerge spaghetti strands, ensuring they’re completely covered without excessive agitation.
  4. Cooking Transformation: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from sticking, allowing ingredients to meld and develop complex flavors.
  5. Final Flourish: Continue cooking until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture and sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency. Remove from heat and let the dish rest briefly, allowing flavors to intensify and harmonize before serving.

Notes

  • Meat Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned and crumbly for maximum flavor development and to eliminate excess moisture.
  • Liquid Balance Control: Add liquids carefully to prevent soggy pasta; the ratio of broth to pasta determines the final sauce consistency.
  • No-Stir Pasta Strategy: Minimize stirring to prevent starch release and maintain a smooth, non-gummy texture throughout cooking.
  • Resting Period Importance: Let the dish sit for 2-3 minutes after cooking to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to fully integrate and deepen.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 75 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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