One Pot Pasta

Introduction

One Pot Pasta is the ultimate dinner solution for busy weeknights—minimal cleanup, effortless preparation, and big, comforting flavors. By cooking the pasta along with the sauce and other ingredients in a single pot, you save time and infuse the noodles with all the delicious seasonings. Perfect for families or anyone seeking a hearty meal without a sink full of dishes, this recipe simplifies your dinner routine without compromising on taste.

Why One Pot Pasta is a Weeknight Hero

What makes this dish a standout is its genius simplicity. With everything going into a single pot, the starch released from the pasta naturally thickens the sauce, resulting in a silky coating that clings to every noodle. The flavors blend beautifully, and you can easily adapt it to what you have—change up the veggies, proteins, or herbs to match your cravings or what’s in your fridge.

Choosing and Prepping Your One Pot Ingredients

Start by choosing a sturdy pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti, which holds up well to simmering. Toss in colorful vegetables for a burst of flavor and nutrition—think cherry tomatoes, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. For protein, sliced sausage, chicken breast, or canned beans work great. Finish everything off with robust aromatics (onion, garlic), a rich tomato base, and a sprinkling of Italian herbs.

Easy Steps to a Flavorful One Pot Pasta

The method couldn’t be easier: sauté your aromatics, add the other ingredients plus enough water or broth, then simmer until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir frequently to ensure the noodles cook evenly and absorb all those savory flavors.

Serving Suggestions for a Stunning One Pot Pasta

Pile your pasta high in a shallow bowl and finish with a dusting of parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley. For a special touch, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil or add a dollop of ricotta. Pair with a crisp salad, and dinner is served—no side dishes necessary.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4-6 servings and is a balanced meal in itself, offering protein, fiber, and healthy fats depending on your ingredient choices. Average calorie count per serving: 400-500 calories, depending on add-ins and cheese.

One Pot Pasta (Recap)

One Pot Pasta marries simplicity and flavor in a way that’s hard to beat—a complete meal that’s fast, easy, and endlessly customizable. It’s the one-dish wonder your weeknight lineup has been missing.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, baby spinach, dried pasta, broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and any optional protein (sausage, chicken, or beans) to the pot. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking. Simmer uncovered for 12–14 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for 2-3 minutes (it will thicken a little more). Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

One Pot Pasta is ideal for adding to your weekly meal prep schedule—it’s as easy to double as it is to clean up. Save and schedule this recipe within your weekly plan to automatically consolidate ingredient quantities across meals and create a master shopping list.

Planning Benefits:

– Instantly calculates total amounts needed for multiple recipes
– Organizes your shopping list by grocery department for easy navigation
– Prevents overbuying and forgetting key items
– Makes meal prep smoother and more streamlined

Pro tip: When you schedule your recipes, CookifyAI ensures similar ingredients—like spinach or parmesan—are combined for one simple shopping trip, reducing waste and stress.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes