Dinner

One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)

Name: One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup onion, chopped; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 14 oz. fresh tomatoes, diced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon chopped Italian basil; 8 oz. spaghetti; 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley

Bylina Carter August 3, 2025August 3, 2025

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One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!) is the kind of kitchen magic that brings comfort and joy with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Imagine tossing everything—lots of garlic, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and al dente spaghetti—into a single pan and watching as it transforms into a gorgeous, saucy, tangle of pasta, ready to devour in minutes. There’s nothing fussy here, just a simple, honest meal that fills your home with the aroma of a cozy Italian trattoria. It’s weeknight-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and oh-so-satisfying, making it a staple for anyone who loves delicious food without the mountain of dirty dishes.

One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!) lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen, not just for taste but also for how it complements texture and color in the dish. Here’s what you’ll need to create something truly crave-worthy.

Olive oil: Adds essential richness and helps coax out the sweetness of the onions and garlic as they cook.
Onion (chopped): Brings a mellow, savory depth and a subtle sweetness as it softens.
Garlic (minced): The aromatic backbone; use fresh for a pungent, irresistible flavor.
Fresh tomatoes (diced): Provides juicy tanginess and vibrant color—choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta with layers of savory, seasoned goodness and makes the sauce silky.
Chopped Italian basil: Delivers classic herbal fragrance; fresh basil really lifts the whole dish.
Spaghetti: Absorbs all those robust flavors and creates that perfect bite; snap it in half if your pot is on the smaller side.
Salt (or to taste): Enhances every flavor—add little by little until it sings.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta, adding salty, nutty creaminess.
Chopped Italian parsley: For a final hit of freshness and a pop of green.

How to Make One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Before anything else, drizzle that olive oil into a wide skillet or pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic—this is where the flavors start to build. Let them sizzle and turn golden for about three minutes. Your kitchen should already smell like something wonderful is about to happen.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Broth, Basil, and Spaghetti

Now it’s time to introduce the stars of your sauce: those juicy diced tomatoes, the chicken broth (which will soon become a flavorful liquid gold), and the chopped Italian basil. Break the spaghetti in half if necessary and nestle it right down into your pot. Stir to make sure the pasta is mostly submerged so it can soak up all that flavor as it cooks.

Step 3: Simmer and Cook

Pop on a lid, lower the heat to medium-low, and let the One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!) simmer away for around eight minutes. Peek in and give it a gentle stir if you like. Your pasta should be tender but still slightly firm in the center (al dente). If it needs a bit more cooking, just splash in a little extra broth and give it another couple of minutes.

Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Parsley

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, lift the lid and sprinkle over the salt to taste. Turn off the heat, then shower your spaghetti with a generous handful of shredded Parmesan and plenty of fresh parsley. Let the cheese melt into the glossy sauce. Serve it straight from the pot (just try to resist sneaking a forkful first!).

How to Serve One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!)

Garnishes

Transform your pot of pasta into a showstopper with a flurry of extra Parmesan, more torn basil or parsley, and maybe a crack of black pepper. These little touches add pizzazz, making the dish feel extra-special even on a weekday.

Side Dishes

Keep it light and Italian-inspired: a leafy green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette, or some crusty bread to mop up the sauce, both make pitch-perfect pairings. Grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers also work beautifully alongside One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!).

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of flair, twirl each serving with tongs and mound it onto plates for a restaurant-style look. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good olive oil for added texture. Or serve family-style right from the pot at the center of the table, letting everyone help themselves for a cozy, communal feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any extra One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!) keeps well in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld and deepen, making leftovers just as tempting as the first night.

Freezing

While freshly made pasta is unbeatable, you can freeze leftovers for convenience. Let the pasta cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge; just know that the texture will soften slightly after freezing.

Reheating

Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up, then reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on it—the goal is to warm it through without overcooking.

FAQs

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delightful vegetarian version of One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!) with all the same herby, garlicky goodness.

Will gluten-free noodles work?

Yes, gluten-free pasta can be a wonderful alternative. Just keep an eye on the texture, as some gluten-free pastas may cook a bit faster—taste test early and adjust the broth amount as needed.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the tomatoes. It’s a fantastic way to add color and boost the veggie factor while sticking to the spirit of One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!).

Is it possible to double this recipe?

Yes—this pasta is perfect for feeding a crowd. Just grab a bigger pot and double each ingredient; you may need to cook it a few minutes longer, stirring more often to prevent sticking.

What type of tomatoes should I use?

Fresh, ripe tomatoes provide the juiciest flavor, but if they’re out of season, opt for cherry tomatoes or good-quality canned tomatoes. The key is choosing tomatoes that give a bright, tangy punch to the finished dish.

Final Thoughts

If you crave a delicious, comforting meal with barely any cleanup, it’s time to give One Pot Pasta (The Best Recipe!) a place in your weekly rotation. Every bite is proof that simplicity can be spectacular—so grab your favorite pot and treat yourself to a dish that will quickly become a household favorite!