One Pot Pasta
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Looking for a quick and delicious meal? This easy one pot pasta recipe combines tender noodles, savory garlic, and a rich tomato base — all cooked in a single pot. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and hassle-free cleanup. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, you’ll find everything you need to make the best one pot pasta right here.
What is One Pot Pasta and Why You Should Try It
One pot pasta or one pan pasta is an easy pasta dish where the uncooked pasta cooks alongside everything else – meat, vegetables, herbs and seasonings – in a single pan. As the dish simmers, the starch from the pasta will help transform some of the leftover pasta water into the most lovely saucy consistency, coating the spaghetti so perfectly.
Top Reasons to Make One Pot Pasta Tonight
- Perfect weeknight dinner. With one pot to clean up and 5 min prep time, this no-fuss pasta dinner could not get any easier, perfect to keep in your back pocket for those busy weeknights between homework and soccer pick up.
- Great for company. Not only does this come together lightning fast but this is also fancy (and impressive) enough to serve to company. They don’t have to know how easy this really is!
- Short ingredient list. The ingredient list is short, simple and budget-friendly. Not to mention, most of the ingredients are already pantry staples.
How to Make the Easiest One Pot Pasta in 20 Minutes
- Add all the ingredients to a big pot (including the uncooked pasta)
- Bring to a boil and simmer until the pasta is al dente and most of the water is absorbed by the pasta, about 10 minutes – stir as needed
- Add fresh Parmesan, season with additional basil, salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil and serve
Essential Tips for Making Perfect One Pot Pasta
- Use a heavy pot. A heavy bottom pot, such as a Dutch oven, is ideal here for ample space for long pastas (such as spaghetti) and even heat distribution.
- Fresh basil is best. Although you can certainly substitute dried herbs in a pinch, fresh basil is ideal here, delivering the best kind of flavor.
- Halve the recipe. For smaller portions to serve 2 people, this recipe can easily be halved as needed.
- Stir, baby, stir. Be sure to keep an eye on the pasta, stirring as needed, to ensure that everything cooks evenly and to prevent sticking.
- Freshly grated cheese goes a long way. While pre-grated Parmesan cheese will save a few minutes in the kitchen, freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano or domestic Parmesan is highly recommended. This gives the favorited rich, nutty flavors, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Add your finishing touches with a drizzle of high quality extra virgin olive oil, adding a smoother, silkier texture and preventing the pasta from sticking and drying out.
- Mix it up. Use chicken or vegetable broth in place of water (or use half and half) for additional flavor, try different veggies (ex. zucchini for tomatoes) or sub a different kind of pasta such as fettuccine or linguine.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with One Pot Pasta
Essential Tools for Making One Pot Pasta
Dutch oven
One Pot Pasta: Frequently Asked Questions
Not at all! The beauty of this recipe is that the spaghetti cooks alongside the rest of the ingredients for a true one pot meal.
Yes! Pastas with a similar cook time such as fettuccine or linguine can be used in place of spaghetti.
Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can hinder their ability to melt smoothly. Freshly grated cheese is best, adding a handful at a time for a smooth consistency.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days, adding a splash of water as needed when reheating.
One Pot Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cups halved grape tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 4 ½ cups water
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium high heat, combine spaghetti, sausage, onion, tomatoes, basil, garlic and water; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked through and liquid has reduced, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan.
- Serve immediately, drizzled with olive oil.
Video
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