Remember those nights as a kid when you’d walk in the door after school, and the smell of simmering water? Is tomato sauce just wrapped you in a hug? What is one-Pot Spaghetti? What are some of the best comfort food recipes? How do you clean a colander? Think of it as the pasta equivalent of a sheet pan dinner – everything cooks together in perfect harmony. If you love spaghetti but dread the fuss, this is about to become your new best friend.
What is one-pot spaghetti?
What is one Pot Spaghetti? Think of it as a streamlined version of your favorite pasta dish, where the noodles, sauce, and even the toppings are all incorporated. Some of the veggies simmer together until everything is perfectly cooked and infused with flavor. What’s essentially taking the traditional spaghetti recipe and giving it a major efficiency upgrade? What makes a creamy sauce? Is it easier to clean up when you’re done? Plus, you can customize it endlessly with different veggies, proteins, and spices to make it your own. My grandma used to make spaghetti and meatballs that took hours, but honestly, this is just as delicious. What are some of the best things about this recipe? ) and ready in a fraction of the time.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to adore this one-pot spaghetti, but let me tell you about my favorites. First, the flavor is incredible. The pasta absorbs all the delicious tomato-y, garlicky goodness as it cooks, resulting in a super flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s so much more than just noodles and sauce – it’s a symphony of flavors working together. Second, the simplicity is mind-blowing. Seriously, you just dump everything into one pot and let it do its thing. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you’re short on time and energy. No more juggling multiple pots and pans! Third, it’s super cost-effective. You can use pantry staples like canned tomatoes, dried herbs, and inexpensive pasta, making it a budget-friendly meal that the whole family will love. And finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can add your favorite vegetables, swap out the protein, or adjust the spices to your liking. I always add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick! What I love most about this is how it’s become a family favorite. My kids, who are usually picky eaters, devour this every time I make it. It’s the perfect solution for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner that everyone enjoys. It’s also fantastic for meal prepping – it tastes even better the next day!
How do you make one piece Spaghetti?
Quick Overview
What are some of the easiest ways to make one pot spaghetti? What’s the best way to toss your ingredients together: pasta, crushed tomatoes, broth, seasonings, and any other ingredients? In a Dutch Oven, heat the veggies in the pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce is thick. The beauty of this method is that the pasta cooks in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors and textures. How do I create a creamy, delicious meal with minimal effort? What is a game changer for busy weeknights?
Ingredients
For the One-Pot Spaghetti:
* 1 pound spaghetti
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 4 cups vegetable broth (chicken broth works too, but I prefer veggie for the flavor!)
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped (optional, but adds great flavor and color)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and Black Pepper to taste
For Serving:
* Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
* Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. What are some of the best ways to make spaghetti sauce? I always do this step even if I’m in a rush because it makes huge difference in the final taste.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, chopped red bell pepper (if using), dried oregano, dried basil and arugula. Mix well. Add the basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the pot. How do you stir together all the ingredients?
Step 3: Add Spaghetti
If you break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot, make sure it’s submerged in the liquid. I like to eat it. How do you press pasta down to ensure it’s covered? I find this easier than trying to bend spaghetti! I’ve tried using whole spaghetti strands before, and it’s just too difficult to manage in the pot.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes. How long does it take for spaghetti to cook through and the sauce thickened? How do I prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot? Nobody wants burnt spaghetti at the bottom.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
Once the spaghetti is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes to allow it to cool completely. How do I make sauce thicker? Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I usually add a little salt and pepper at this point.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the one-pot spaghetti immediately, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. What are some good side salads to serve with it?
What should I serve it with?
One-pot spaghetti is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right sides. What are some ideas for serving it:What is a casual weeknight dinner?What is a good green salad with garlic bread? I sometimes serve it with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a healthier option.For a More Elegant Meal:Start with a Caprese salad and serve the spaghetti with chicken or sausage. A glass of red wine complements the dish perfectly.For a Kid-Friendly Meal:Serve with steamed peas or carrots and a side of fruit. My kids love it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.For a potluck or party:What is the best way to serve spaghetti with a large Italian salad and some crusty bread? What are some good toppings for a salad? People can customize their own bowls. What is my family’s favorite one-pot spaghetti with a simple garlic bread? Is it easy to make a delicious meal?
What are some tips for perfecting a one-pot Spaghetti?
What is the best one-pot spaghetti recipe?Pasta Choice:While spaghetti is the classic choice, you can also use other types of pasta like linguine, etc. What is fettuccine? Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. I’ve found that thinner pasta cooks faster, so keep an eye on it.Liquid Ratio:What is the best way to make one-pot spaghetti? Too much liquid, and your spaghetti will be soupy. Too little, too dry and sticky. I’ve experimented with this quite a bit, and I find that 4 cups of broth for 1 pound of spaghetti is the same.Stirring:How do you stir spaghetti to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan? I usually stir the sauce every 5 minutes or so.Vegetable Variations Feel free to add other vegetables to your spaghetti. Some great options include mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. Just add them along with the other ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed. I sometimes throw in a handful of spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of nutrients.
Protein Additions: You can also add protein to your spaghetti. Ground beef, Italian sausage, chicken, or shrimp all work well. Cook the protein separately before adding it to the pot with the other ingredients. For ground beef or sausage, I brown it in the same pot before adding the onions and garlic.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spaghetti. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor.
Cheese Please: Don’t forget the cheese! Grated Parmesan cheese is the classic topping, but you can also use other types of cheese like mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, or ricotta. I sometimes add a dollop of ricotta cheese to each serving for extra creaminess.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing: Leftover one-pot spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating.
Reheating: You can reheat the spaghetti in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For the stovetop, add a little broth or water to the pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. I prefer the stovetop method because it helps to rehydrate the pasta and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: One-pot spaghetti can also be frozen for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious. I always add a little extra sauce when reheating frozen spaghetti to compensate for any loss of moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This one-pot spaghetti is more than just a recipe; it’s a weeknight lifesaver, a budget-friendly wonder, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I truly hope you’ll give it a try and experience the magic of this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my one-pot mac and cheese or my sheet pan fajitas – they’re all about easy cleanup and maximum flavor! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Feel free to leave a comment below with your own variations and tips. Happy cooking!
How to Whip Up One-Pot Spaghetti: 5 Easy Steps for Busy Nights
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Spaghetti Regular or thin spaghetti
- 1 lb Ground Beef Lean ground beef
- 1 jar Pasta Sauce 24 oz jar, your favorite flavor
- 4 cups Beef Broth Low sodium
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the pasta sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Break the spaghetti in half and add it to the pot, ensuring it's mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the spaghetti is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
