Cooking a delicious family meal doesn’t have to be complicated. With this quick and easy one-pot pasta, you’ll enjoy rich flavor, simple ingredients, and almost no cleanup. Everything cooks together in one pot — pasta, sauce, veggies, and seasonings — making it the perfect go-to weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Pasta
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy families. It blends convenience with comforting flavors, turning simple pantry staples into a delicious, restaurant-quality dish in minutes.
Benefits:
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot — no extra dishes.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
- Family-Friendly: Creamy, flavorful, and customizable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 300g pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Grated parmesan (optional but recommended)
How to Make It (Step-By-Step)
1. Sauté Your Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot, then add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until fragrant and lightly golden — this builds a flavorful foundation for your One-Pot Pasta. The aroma alone sets the stage for a delicious meal.
2. Add Pasta and Liquids
Stir in your pasta, broth, milk or cream, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Mix everything thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors as it cooks. This step is key to creating a creamy, cohesive One-Pot Pasta dish.
3. Simmer Until Creamy
Let the pasta cook gently for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the noodles soak up the liquid, naturally forming a rich, creamy sauce — no extra steps or pots needed. This is what makes One-Pot Pasta so easy and satisfying.
4. Finish with Flavor
Once the pasta is tender, remove the pot from heat. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan, torn basil leaves, a pinch of black pepper, or any additional toppings you love. The result is a comforting, creamy One-Pot Pasta meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Tips to Make It Even Better
- Use broth instead of water for richer flavor.
- Stir often to help the sauce become extra creamy.
- Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or peas for a nutrient boost.
- Mix in protein such as chicken, shrimp, or sausage if desired.
FAQs About One-Pot Pasta
1. Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes! Short pasta works best, but spaghetti also turns out great.
2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely — replace milk with coconut milk and skip the cheese.
3. Does the pasta get mushy?
Not if you simmer gently and stir occasionally.
4. Can I meal-prep this recipe?
Yes! It reheats beautifully and stays creamy.
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Conclusion
This quick and easy One-Pot Pasta is the ultimate solution for busy nights when you want a delicious, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it delivers rich, creamy flavors with every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or when you’re craving something warm and satisfying, this One-Pot Pasta is as convenient as it is tasty.
Try it tonight, and you’ll see why it’s sure to become a go-to recipe — budget-friendly, fast to prepare, and packed with flavor, all in a single pot. It’s comfort food made simple, proving that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps to create a memorable dinner.