Effortless One Pot Pasta: Your Ultimate Quick & Tasty Dinner Solution

Make Amazing One Pot Pasta In Minutes

Introduction

If you’re searching for a fuss-free dinner that delivers big on flavor and minimal on cleanup, look no further than this amazing One Pot Pasta. Why spend hours in the kitchen when you can put together a delicious, hearty meal in under thirty minutes—all in a single pan? The magic comes from simmering your favorite pasta, savory seasonings, and vegetables together in a rich broth, letting every ingredient infuse with the ultimate comforting flavor.

Why This One Pot Pasta Will Become a Weekly Favorite

This recipe stands out for its effortless preparation and incredible results. By cooking all your ingredients together, the pasta absorbs the flavors of sautéed garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and creamy broth or cheese. There’s no need to boil and drain pasta separately, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your evening. Whether feeding a family or whipping up a quick meal for one, this dish is a surefire crowd pleaser thanks to its velvety sauce and perfectly cooked noodles with every bite.

Perfecting Your One Pot Pasta Base

To make your pasta dish stand out, sauté onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant, then add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or other favorite veggies. Pour in your preferred broth (vegetable or chicken), add dried pasta, and let everything simmer away. The starches released from the pasta meld with the broth, creating a naturally silky sauce. For added richness, stir in a splash of cream or a handful of parmesan cheese right at the end.

Easy Steps to Amazing One Pot Pasta

The secret is in the order: start with aromatics, add your pasta, toss in your liquids, and simmer. Prefer extra protein? Toss in cooked chicken, sausage, or keep it vegetarian with extra veggies or legumes. In less than half an hour, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal with layers of depth and all the comfort of a homemade dinner.

Serving Suggestions for One Pot Pasta

Garnish your hot pasta with fresh basil or parsley and serve with a sprinkle of cheese. A slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad on the side makes this meal feel truly complete. This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings. Each serving comes in at approximately 350–400 calories, depending on added proteins and cheese—making it a satisfying meal option without overindulgence.

Make Amazing One Pot Pasta In Minutes (Recap)

With its creamy, flavor-packed sauce, easy single-pot cleanup, and endless customization options, this one pot pasta is destined to take center stage in your dinner rotation. It’s proof that simplicity can still be incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

12 ounces dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
2 cups baby spinach (optional)
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
1/2 cup cream or half and half (optional, for creaminess)
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 cup cooked protein (chicken, sausage, or white beans)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically create a logical, organized grocery list with all ingredients grouped by department—making your grocery trips fast and efficient, while streamlining weekly meal planning with ease!

CookifyAI meal planning interface

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  2. Add the cherry tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add in the dried pasta, broth, and (if using) cooked protein and spinach. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more broth or water if needed, until pasta is al dente and liquid has thickened into a sauce.
  5. Stir in the grated parmesan and (if using) cream. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve with extra parmesan.

Weekly Meal Planning

This one pot pasta is the ultimate meal planner’s recipe: easy to prep in advance and even tastier as leftovers. Save and schedule this meal within your weekly menu on CookifyAI to instantly generate smart shopping lists, auto-calculate total ingredient needs, and see how this recipe fits alongside others.

Planning Benefits:

– Produce an instant, consolidated shopping list with correct quantities for all planned recipes
– Sorts all items by store section—no more wandering back and forth at the store
– Reduces duplicate purchases and ensures you never forget a key ingredient
– Makes your weeknight dinners quicker, more organized, and stress-free

Pro tip: Schedule your recipes for the week to spot ingredient overlaps and minimize waste—for example, if you need spinach and parmesan in multiple meals, CookifyAI will total up exactly what to buy.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Enjoy a deeply flavorful pasta—ready in record time, with virtually no cleanup and all the satisfaction of a homemade meal!

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