Let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite go-to meals: Easy One Pot Pasta! I can’t even count how many times I’ve whipped this up on busy weeknights when I’m craving something comforting yet effortless. The best part? It’s become a family favorite, and I’m pretty sure it will be for you too! With its creamy texture and explosion of flavors, this dish has stolen the show at dinner tables across the board. Trust me, this is a game-changer for quick weeknight dinners!
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Pasta
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Minimal Cleanup: With everything cooked in one pot, you can say goodbye to a mountain of dishes!
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies, proteins, or spices.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and cream creates a savory delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: This dish stores beautifully in the fridge, making it a fantastic meal prep option!
The Secret to Perfect One Pot Pasta
The secret to making the best One Pot Pasta lies in the technique of cooking everything together. By allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the broth and vegetables, you’re left with a dish that’s infused with rich, savory goodness. Here’s my insider tip: always make sure to stir occasionally while it cooks. This not only helps the pasta cook evenly but also keeps everything from sticking together. Trust me, once you master this simple technique, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious meal with confidence!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“This One Pot Pasta is a game-changer! I made it for my family, and they couldn’t get enough. It’s now on our regular dinner rotation!” – Sarah J.
“I was amazed at how easy and flavorful this dish was. I added some chicken, and it turned out fantastic! Highly recommend!” – Tim R.
“I can’t believe I waited so long to try One Pot Pasta! It’s now my go-to recipe whenever I’m in a rush. Love it!” – Jessica L.
Creative Variations to Try
- Vegetable Medley: Toss in your favorite seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for an extra health boost.
- Spicy Sausage: Add slices of spicy Italian sausage for a hearty, flavorful kick.
- Pesto Delight: Stir in some basil pesto for a fresh, herby twist.
- Mushroom and Spinach: For a more earthy flavor, add sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach.
Bonus: Try using different types of pasta like penne or farfalle to mix things up!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use gluten-free pasta? Absolutely! Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions.
How do I store leftovers? You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze One Pot Pasta? Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? You can substitute with milk or a dairy-free alternative, but the texture will be less creamy.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life.
- Serve it hot, garnished with fresh herbs or grated cheese for an inviting touch.
Perfect Occasions for One Pot Pasta
- Busy weeknights when you need a quick meal.
- Casual family dinners where everyone can enjoy a hearty dish.
- Meal prep days for delicious lunches throughout the week.
- Small gatherings with friends where you want a comforting dish to share.
- Potlucks where you want to impress with minimal effort!
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for sticking around! I’m so excited to share the full recipe with you. Get ready to create your own One Pot Pasta masterpiece!
One Pot Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, etc.)
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or any vegetables you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Tip: Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Adding proteins like chicken or shrimp can make this dish even heartier!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent. This step creates a flavorful base for your One Pot Pasta!
Step 2: Add the Liquid Ingredients
Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all!). Stir in the Italian seasoning and bring to a gentle boil. This is where the magic begins, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add your pasta to the pot and stir it in. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You want that pasta to soak up all those delicious flavors!
Step 4: Stir in the Cream
Once the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy. The spinach will wilt beautifully, adding nutrition and color!
Step 5: Season and Serve
Give your dish a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. This final touch adds an extra layer of flavor that you won’t want to skip!
Nutrition Info: Approx. 400 calories per serving (based on 4 servings), with variations depending on added ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Easy One Pot Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a way to create lasting memories around the dinner table. You’ll love how simple it is to make, and the flavors will leave you and your loved ones asking for more. I encourage you to give it a try—trust me, you won’t be disappointed! This dish is special, and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself!
Easy One Pot Pasta
-
Total Time:
30 mins -
Yield:
4 servings
Discover a flavorful one pot pasta that combines vibrant ingredients for a quick, satisfying weeknight dinner that’s both delicious and easy to make.
Ingredients
- • 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, etc.)
- • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- • 1 cup heavy cream
- • 1 medium onion, diced
- • 3 cloves garlic, minced
- • 2 cups fresh spinach (or any vegetables you prefer)
- • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- • Salt and pepper to taste
- • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all!). Stir in the Italian seasoning and bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add your pasta to the pot and stir it in. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the Cream: Once the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy.
- Season and Serve: Give your dish a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
- Method: Oven
