This Easy One-Pot Pasta is your shortcut to dinner bliss: a vibrant tumble of veggies, noodles, and savory sauce all cooked together in just one pot—no draining, no fuss. It comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the answer to busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave serious comfort (with minimal cleanup!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seriously Fast: From pantry to plate in just 20 minutes, this pasta is weeknight hero material.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything bubbles together in a single pot, so you’ll only have one dish to clean after (yes please!).
- Packed with Goodness: It’s got tender noodles, juicy tomatoes, and plenty of colorful veggies all mingling in a flavorful sauce.
- Totally Adaptable: Make it gluten-free, vegan, extra spicy, or sneak in whatever veggies you have on hand—the Easy One-Pot Pasta is up for anything!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy One-Pot Pasta is in its simplicity: each ingredient shines and helps create a dish that looks and tastes way fancier than the effort involved. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- 8 ounces dry pasta (gluten-free or regular): Choose your favorite shape. Shorter shapes like penne or fusilli capture the sauce and veggies perfectly, and gluten-free versions work just as well.
- 8 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved: These burst as they cook, adding juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic lends its irresistible aroma and depth of flavor to tie everything together.
- 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced: Onion brings sweetness and body as it softens in the simmering sauce.
- 1 small zucchini, chopped and quartered: Adds fresh, green notes and cooks to tender perfection.
- 3 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced: For savory, earthy flavor that makes each bite a little more “oomph.”
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a customizable kick—add more, or leave it out for a milder pasta.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and ensures the pasta isn’t bland.
- 1 1/4 cup pasta sauce of choice: Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce—classic marinara, vodka sauce, or even a basil-forward option all work beautifully.
- 2 1/2 cups water: This becomes the cooking liquid for both the pasta and sauce, so everything soaks up flavor and the starch creates extra creaminess.
- 3 ounces fresh spinach: A big handful at the end for extra greens—it melts right in from the residual heat.
Variations
This Easy One-Pot Pasta is a true blank canvas: you can easily swap ingredients or spice things up to match whatever’s in your fridge (or your mood). Don’t be afraid to get creative—here are a few simple, delicious ideas:
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked sausage, rotisserie chicken, tofu, or white beans for a heartier meal.
- Go Vegan or Dairy-Free: Use your favorite plant-based pasta sauce and skip any cheese at the end for a totally vegan version.
- Switch Up the Veggies: Try bell peppers, broccoli florets, kale, or even frozen veggies—just make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Change the Sauce: Swap in a creamy Alfredo, roasted red pepper, or even arrabbiata sauce for a flavor twist on your Easy One-Pot Pasta.
- Boost the Zing: Add a splash of lemon juice or a few capers at the end for extra brightness.
How to Make Easy One-Pot Pasta
Step 1: Layer Everything Into the Pot
Grab a large pot or high-sided skillet and add the uncooked pasta first. Pile on the tomatoes, garlic, onion, zucchini, and mushrooms. Sprinkle over the red pepper flakes and salt, then pour in your pasta sauce and water. Give everything a good stir to combine—the noodles should be mostly submerged.
Step 2: Boil and Simmer Until Pasta Is Al Dente
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. As soon as it’s bubbling, drop the heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered, stirring every couple of minutes (this is key to prevent sticking and to help the sauce become nice and silky). Cook for 10–14 minutes, checking the pasta at the shortest time listed on your package for perfect al dente noodles. Some sauce will absorb, and some will become beautifully thick and glossy.
Step 3: Wilt in the Spinach & Finish
Turn off the heat and toss in the fresh spinach. Stir until it has wilted into the hot pasta—the residual warmth will do the work for you. Once everything is combined, scoop the Easy One-Pot Pasta into bowls, top however you like, and savor that cozy, homemade magic you pulled off in twenty minutes!
Pro Tips for Making Easy One-Pot Pasta
- Stir Every 2 Minutes: Frequent stirring lets the noodles cook evenly, prevents sticking, and helps that sauce hug every piece of pasta.
- Check for Al Dente Early: Start testing the pasta at the minimum cook time to avoid overcooking—it’s easy to go from perfect to mushy in a minute!
- Sauce Matters: The type and flavor of your pasta sauce will shape the whole dish. Marinara creates a classic vibe, but roasted garlic or spicy arrabbiata work magic too.
- Salt to Taste at the End: Let the sauce and pasta meld, then taste before serving—you might want an extra pinch of salt, especially if you used a low-sodium sauce.
How to Serve Easy One-Pot Pasta
Garnishes
The right garnish transforms this Easy One-Pot Pasta from “delicious” to “total showstopper.” Shower with freshly grated parmesan or vegan cheese, sprinkle with torn basil or parsley, add a drizzle of olive oil, or a dollop of ricotta for creamy oomph. A little cracked black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes bring everything alive!
Side Dishes
This pasta is a meal in itself, but it’s also dreamy alongside simple sides. Try garlic bread or crusty sourdough for dunking, a big green salad with tangy vinaigrette, or roasted veggies for an even bigger veggie boost. For a cozy dinner party vibe, serve with a crisp glass of white wine.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta family-style straight from the pot for a rustic touch, or swirl it into shallow bowls for restaurant-worthy presentation. Top each serving with a nest of fresh greens or microgreens, or fill oven-safe ramekins and broil with mozzarella for melty, bubbly tops. The vibrant vegetables make it irresistible whichever way you go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Easy One-Pot Pasta, let it cool to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days—perfect for desk lunches or quick dinners!
Freezing
While best fresh, you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Let the pasta cool completely, spoon into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Note: the vegetables may soften further upon defrosting, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of water or extra pasta sauce, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave covered bowls in short bursts. Add more fresh spinach or herbs to bring it back to life just before serving!
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta in this Easy One-Pot Pasta?
Absolutely! Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best because they cook evenly and soak up the sauce. If you use spaghetti or linguine, you may want to break them in half so they fit comfortably in the pot.
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Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free or vegan?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta (just watch the cook time—it may be a little less) and use a vegan pasta sauce. The basic Easy One-Pot Pasta method works the same for both adjustments.
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What should I do if the sauce gets too thick or too thin?
If the pasta looks too dry or thick while cooking, just add a splash more water, stir, and keep an eye on it. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to let the excess liquid evaporate.
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Can I double the recipe for a bigger group?
You sure can! Double all the ingredients and use your biggest pot. Stir frequently to help everything cook evenly, and check pasta doneness as you go—it may take an extra minute or two.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving cozy flavor and maximum reward for minimal effort, you just found your new favorite recipe. Easy One-Pot Pasta is pure weeknight magic—and once you taste it, you’ll always keep this one in your back pocket. Give it a try tonight (and don’t forget to make it your own!).
Print
Easy One-Pot Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2 to 4
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy one-pot pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful meal that can be ready in just 20 minutes. With a variety of fresh vegetables and a savory pasta sauce, it’s a satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Dry Pasta:
- 8 ounces dry pasta, gluten-free or regular
Fresh Vegetables:
- 8 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small zucchini, chopped and quartered
- 3 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 3 ounces fresh spinach
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/4 cup pasta sauce of choice
Liquid:
- 2 1/2 cups water
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Add the uncooked pasta to a large pot (or pan with deep sides). Add the remaining ingredients – except for the spinach – and mix well.
- Cook Pasta: Bring the pot to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook the pasta for 10-14 minutes, until al dente. Stir the mixture every 2 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Add Spinach: Turn off the heat and fold the spinach into the pasta. Once wilted, divide into serving bowls and top as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
