One Pot Spaghetti Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Spaghetti is the ultimate quick and easy dinner—minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. Everything cooks together in a single pot: pasta, sauce, meat, and seasonings. The result is a rich, hearty, and perfectly coated spaghetti dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s family-friendly, comforting, and downright delicious.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

spaghetti (uncooked)ground beef or Italian sausagesmall onion (diced)garlic cloves (minced)crushed tomatoes or marinara saucetomato pastechicken or beef brothwaterolive oilitalian seasoningdried basilcrushed red pepper flakes (optional)saltblack pepperparmesan cheese (for serving)fresh basil or parsley (optional)

directions

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add ground beef and diced onion. Cook until meat is browned and onions are soft, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and water. Stir to combine.

Season with Italian seasoning, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

Break spaghetti in half and add to the pot, pressing down to submerge in the liquid.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Cook until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version.

Add chopped spinach or zucchini for extra veggies.

Try it with penne or rotini if you prefer different pasta shapes.

Stir in a splash of cream or ricotta for a creamy twist.

Make it spicy with more red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.Can be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?

Yes, but adjust cooking time and liquid as needed—check doneness frequently.

Do I have to cook the meat first?

Yes, browning the meat adds flavor and ensures it’s fully cooked.

Can I use jarred pasta sauce?

Absolutely—just reduce the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to balance flavor.

Will the pasta stick together?

Stir regularly and keep it submerged to prevent sticking.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, skip the meat and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or lentils for substance.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely—simple flavors and no strong spices unless added.

What’s the texture like?

The pasta absorbs flavor from the sauce, resulting in a rich, hearty texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pot and increase cooking time slightly.

Do I need to cover it while cooking?

Yes, covering helps the pasta cook evenly and retain moisture.

Can I prep it ahead?

It’s best fresh, but leftovers taste great and reheat well.

Conclusion

One Pot Spaghetti is a lifesaver for busy days—simple, satisfying, and made with pantry staples. With everything cooking together in a single pot, it’s less mess, more flavor, and pure comfort. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want an easy, hearty meal, this spaghetti is sure to become a weeknight staple.

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