Yummy One Pot Spaghetti

One pot spaghetti recipe
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Imagine coming home after a long day and having dinner ready in just one pot, with almost no cleanup! That’s the beauty of one-pot spaghetti.

It’s quick, comforting, and requires only a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this recipe makes dinner stress-free.

What makes it even better is that everything – spaghetti, sauce, and seasoning – cooks together in the same pot. That means the pasta absorbs all the rich, savory flavors, creating a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.

This dish is perfect for busy nights or cozy evenings when I just want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, since January is all about fresh starts and keeping life simple, this recipe fits the mood perfectly.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Quick and Easy: Everything cooks in one pot, so no need to juggle multiple pans or strain pasta. Dinner is ready in about 30 minutes.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Fewer dishes mean more time to relax after eating.
  • Family-Friendly: This is a meal everyone loves – picky eaters included!
  • Customizable: You can add veggies, switch up the protein, or spice it up to match your taste.
  • Budget-Friendly: With just a few basic ingredients, you can feed your family without breaking the bank.

Ingredient List

For the One Pot Spaghetti:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional for a heartier dish)
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 12 ounces spaghetti – broken in half for easy stirring
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for serving
  • Fresh basil (optional) – for garnish

Optional Side Dish Ideas:

  • Garlic Bread: A loaf of crusty bread with butter and minced garlic.
  • Salad: Mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar.

This recipe is perfect for any season, and you can make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Ready to cook? Let’s do this!

More Recipes >>>>>> Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Kitchen Tools Needed

You don’t need much for this recipe, which is one of the reasons it’s so great! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Large pot or Dutch oven: Big enough to hold all the ingredients and allow the spaghetti to cook evenly.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients.
  • Knife and cutting board: To chop the onion and garlic.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Ladle or serving spoon: To dish out your delicious spaghetti.

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the base:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

2. Cook the protein (optional):

  • If using ground beef or Italian sausage, add it to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with your spoon.
  • Drain any excess grease if needed.

3. Add the liquids and seasonings:

  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken (or vegetable) broth.
  • Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.

4. Add the spaghetti:

  • Break the spaghetti in half and lay it in the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid.
  • Stir gently to keep the noodles from sticking together.

5. Cook the spaghetti:

  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
  • Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

6. Finish the dish:

  • Once the spaghetti is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat.
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it sit for a minute or two to thicken.

7. Serve and garnish:

  • Dish out the spaghetti into bowls, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and top with fresh basil if desired.
  • Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

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one pot spaghetti

Tips and Tricks for Success

  • Use a large enough pot: Make sure your pot is big enough to hold the liquid and spaghetti without overflowing when it simmers.
  • Stir often: Stir the spaghetti frequently while it cooks to keep it from clumping together or sticking to the bottom.
  • Adjust the liquid: If the mixture looks too dry before the pasta is fully cooked, add a bit more broth or water. If it’s too soupy, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
  • Go easy on the salt: Since Parmesan cheese and broth are salty, taste the dish before adding extra salt.
  • Customize it: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients, or swap the ground beef for shredded chicken or plant-based meat.
  • Leftovers tip: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out.

One-pot spaghetti is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week!

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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

  • Protein: Swap the ground beef or Italian sausage for shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option.
  • Pasta: If you don’t have spaghetti, use any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. You can also try short pasta like penne or rigatoni. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Broth: Chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth or even water if needed, but broth adds more flavor.
  • Cheese: Parmesan can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or even grated mozzarella for a creamier texture.
  • Tomatoes: If you’re out of crushed tomatoes, use diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. For a chunkier sauce, mix in fresh tomatoes.
  • Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to sneak in extra nutrients.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for a spicier dish.

More Recipes >>>>> Creamy Chicken Casserole


Serving Suggestions

  • Garlic Bread: Pair the spaghetti with warm, buttery garlic bread. You can even toast leftover bread and rub it with a clove of garlic.
  • Side Salad: A simple salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and balsamic vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the pasta.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a hearty side.
  • Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or mozzarella on top and broil for 2 minutes for a cheesy, golden finish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

  • Storage: Allow the spaghetti to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze one-pot spaghetti in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the pasta from drying out. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway through.

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yummy one pot spaghetti and ground beef

FAQ

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free spaghetti and check that your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

2. Can I make it vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. Skip the meat or use plant-based crumbles. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your pot is large enough to hold all the ingredients. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

4. Why is my spaghetti sticking together?
Stirring frequently, especially in the first few minutes of cooking, helps prevent the pasta from sticking. Also, ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot.

5. Can I use whole wheat or chickpea pasta?
Yes, but be aware that alternative pasta might absorb liquid differently. Keep an eye on the texture and add more broth if needed.

6. How do I make it creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.

One-pot spaghetti is incredibly versatile, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights. With so many ways to customize it, you’ll never get bored!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!

One pot spaghetti recipe

One-Pot Spaghetti

Imagine coming home after a long day and having dinner ready in just one pot, with almost no cleanup! That’s the beauty of one-pot spaghetti. It's quick, comforting, and requires only a handful of ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and Cutting Board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle or serving spoon

Ingredients
  

For the One-Pot Spaghetti:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage optional for a heartier dish
  • 1 can 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
  • 12 ounces spaghetti – broken in half for easy stirring
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for serving
  • Fresh basil optional – for garnish

Optional Side Dish Ideas:

  • Garlic Bread: A loaf of crusty bread with butter and minced garlic.
  • Salad: Mixed greens cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar.

Instructions
 

Prepare the base:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Cook the protein (optional):

  • If using ground beef or Italian sausage, add it to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with your spoon.
  • Drain any excess grease if needed.

Add the liquids and seasonings:

  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken (or vegetable) broth.
  • Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.

Add the spaghetti:

  • Break the spaghetti in half and lay it in the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the liquid.
  • Stir gently to keep the noodles from sticking together.

Cook the spaghetti:

  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
  • Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

Finish the dish:

  • Once the spaghetti is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the pot from the heat.
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it sit for a minute or two to thicken.

Serve and garnish:

  • Dish out the spaghetti into bowls, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and top with fresh basil if desired.
  • Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

  • Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal
  • Protein: 20-25g (depending on protein choice)
  • Carbohydrates: 50-55g
  • Fat: 10-15g
  • Fiber: 4-6g
  • Sugar: 7-9g
  • Sodium: 800-1000mg (varies with broth and cheese used)
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment and rating!
Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Keyword one pot recipes, one pot spaghetti, quick dinner recipes

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