The Coziest Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe for Family Dinners

Whipping up a delectable one pot spaghetti feels like culinary magic that simplifies weeknight cooking.

Pasta lovers rejoice with this streamlined approach to dinner preparation.

Minimal dishes and maximum flavor combine in a single skillet, creating a meal that satisfies quickly.

Smart cooking means less cleanup and more enjoyment around the table.

Fresh ingredients merge seamlessly, developing rich, comforting flavors without complicated techniques.

Each bite promises a perfect blend of herbs, sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those busy evenings when time is short but hunger is real.

Reasons to Try Easy One-Pot Spaghetti Recipe

• Simplify Kitchen Chaos: Ditch multiple pots and pans with this single-pot wonder that transforms dinner prep into a breeze, reducing cleanup time and kitchen stress.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Infuse your meal with rich, aromatic herbs and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes, creating a restaurant-quality dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Quick Family Favorite: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers a delicious, nutritious meal that satisfies both kids and adults in under 30 minutes, making mealtime a joy instead of a chore.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe to suit different tastes by adding protein, changing herbs, or experimenting with spice levels, making it a versatile go-to meal for any occasion.

Ingredients for One-Pot Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: A classic pasta that serves as the hearty base of this one-pot meal.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy sauce foundation for the dish.
• Vegetable Broth: Adds depth and moisture to help cook the pasta and create a flavorful sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: These ingredients create a fragrant and flavorful base that enhances the overall taste of the recipe.

• Dried Herbs, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: These spices and seasonings add complexity and balance to the dish, allowing for personalized flavor adjustments.
• Fresh Basil: An optional garnish that brings a bright, fresh note to the finished meal.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking while adding a subtle, rich flavor.

How to Cook One-Pot Spaghetti Easily

Step 1: Prep Kitchen Essentials

Grab a cutting board and sharp knife. Finely chop the onion into small, uniform pieces.

Mince the garlic cloves until they’re super fine and aromatic.

Step 2: Sizzle and Sauté

Heat a spacious pot over medium flame.

Drizzle olive oil and let it shimmer. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic.

Stir and cook until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrance and the onions turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Crushed tomatoes
• Vegetable broth

Stir the liquids together, creating a vibrant, tangy sauce that will hug your pasta.

Step 4: Dive in the Pasta

Carefully add the dry spaghetti into the pot. Make sure every strand gets cozy and submerged in the sauce.

Gently nudge the pasta around occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Let it bubble away for 10-12 minutes.

Step 5: Season and Spice

• Dried herbs
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly, creating a flavor explosion.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

When the pasta reaches perfect tenderness, turn off the heat.

Dish out the steaming spaghetti into bowls. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Tips for One-Pot Spaghetti Success

• Sauté onions and garlic slowly to develop a rich, deep taste base for your sauce.
• Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of spaghetti.
• Use dried herbs like oregano or basil to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
• Easily convert this recipe to a vegetarian or vegan meal by using vegetable broth and optional plant-based cheese topping.

Variations for One-Pot Spaghetti

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace spaghetti with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that's packed with nutrients.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Swap ground meat with crumbled tofu or plant-based meat substitute, adding extra protein and keeping the dish completely plant-based.
• Spicy Arrabiata Spin: Increase red pepper flakes and add smoked paprika for a fiery kick, transforming the recipe into a zesty arrabiata-style one-pot meal.
• Mediterranean Herb Upgrade: Incorporate fresh oregano, thyme, and a splash of white wine to give the dish a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.

Pairings for One-Pot Spaghetti

Pair this one-pot spaghetti with a crisp Pinot Grigio, cutting through the tomato’s acidity and complementing the herb notes.

Select a medium-bodied Chianti Classico, whose earthy undertones and balanced tannins will elevate the pasta’s rich tomato sauce.

Serve alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding bright, peppery freshness that contrasts the spaghetti’s warm, comforting profile.

Add garlic bread with a crispy exterior and soft center, providing a delightful textural counterpoint to the tender pasta and creating a complete meal experience.

How to Store One-Pot Spaghetti Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover the spaghetti completely to prevent moisture loss and preserve its flavor.
• Transfer cooled spaghetti to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Place spaghetti in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute canned whole tomatoes or diced tomatoes by quickly blending them before adding to the pot.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! This one-pot spaghetti is completely vegetarian and uses vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add plant-based protein like white beans, chickpeas, or crumbled tofu during the cooking process to boost nutritional value.

• What if I don't have vegetable broth?

You can replace vegetable broth with water, but add an extra pinch of salt and maybe some nutritional yeast for more flavor depth.

One Pot Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy one pot spaghetti delivers Italian comfort straight to your kitchen, blending rich flavors with effortless cooking. Pasta lovers will savor this quick, hearty meal that brings restaurant-quality dining directly to your home plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 pound spaghetti (whole wheat or gluten-free)

Proteins and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion
• 4 cloves garlic

Liquid and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) dried basil
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper
• 1/4 cup (8 grams) fresh basil leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Finely chop onion and mince garlic for optimal flavor distribution.
2. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, creating a fragrant base by sautéing onions and garlic until soft and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth into the pot, creating a smooth, unified sauce.
4. Carefully submerge dry spaghetti into the liquid, ensuring complete coverage. Gently stir occasionally to prevent sticking and promote uniform cooking for 10-12 minutes.
5. Enhance the dish’s complexity by incorporating dried herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
6. When pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, remove from heat and let rest briefly to absorb remaining liquid.
7. Plate the spaghetti immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Customize the heat by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or spicy preferences.
• Ensure even cooking by breaking spaghetti in half and stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
• Transform into a protein-packed meal by adding ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles during the onion sautéing stage.
• Create a creamy version by stirring in a splash of heavy cream or dairy-free alternative just before serving for added richness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg