Have you ever craved a comforting dish that can be made with minimal effort? Imagine a steaming bowl of spaghetti tossed with rich tomato sauce, infused with garlic and herbs, all prepared in a single pot. This is the magic of one pot spaghetti—a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also captures the essence of home-cooked goodness in every bite.

This delightful recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a quick meal after a long day at work. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a hearty meal on the table that will impress both family and friends alike. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks together in one pot. Get ready to indulge in an explosion of flavors and textures with this simple yet delicious one pot spaghetti.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Spaghetti

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is short.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means less washing up afterwards—just one pan to rinse and put away.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables or proteins based on your preference and what you have on hand.

Ingredients for One Pot Spaghetti

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti: Use regular or whole wheat spaghetti; both cook well in this recipe.
• Olive Oil: A couple of tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil enhance the flavors of the dish while keeping it healthy.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth; about three cloves will do the trick.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Choose high-quality diced tomatoes for rich flavor; they form the base of your sauce.

For the Seasoning:

• Dried Italian Herbs: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme complements the tomato nicely; about two teaspoons will suffice.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste—don’t forget these staples as they enhance overall flavor.

For Garnish:

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Chopped fresh basil leaves add a burst of freshness when sprinkled on top before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make One Pot Spaghetti

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Sauté Garlic

In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes

Pour in canned diced tomatoes along with their juices into the pot. Stir well to combine with garlic.

Step 3: Incorporate Seasonings

Add dried Italian herbs along with salt and pepper. These ingredients will create a flavorful sauce base for your spaghetti.

Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti

Break the spaghetti in half if necessary. Add it to the pot along with enough water or broth to cover the pasta completely. Bring to a boil.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce heat once boiling. Cover and let simmer for approximately ten minutes or until pasta is tender while stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Once cooked through, remove from heat. Transfer to plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added touch of flavor.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Quality ingredients lead to better flavor; opt for organic tomatoes if possible.
• Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase nutrition and variety.
• Adjust Consistency: If you prefer more sauce, simply add more liquid while cooking; it’s easily adjustable.

Mistakes to avoid

• Not Using Enough Liquid: One common mistake when making One Pot Spaghetti is not using enough liquid. Spaghetti requires adequate moisture to cook properly. If you skimp on water or broth, the pasta may stick together and not achieve that perfect al dente texture. Always ensure you have enough liquid in the pot so that the spaghetti can absorb it as it cooks. A general rule of thumb is to use about four cups of liquid for every pound of pasta.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Each ingredient in your One Pot Spaghetti has a different cooking time. Adding everything at once can lead to overcooked vegetables or undercooked pasta. To avoid this mistake, consider the cooking times of each component. Start with ingredients that take longer to cook, such as onions and bell peppers, then add quicker-cooking items like spinach or tomatoes closer to the end of the cooking process.
• Overcrowding the Pot: When preparing One Pot Spaghetti, it’s important not to overcrowd the pot. If you add too many ingredients at once, they won’t cook evenly and may steam instead of sautéing or simmering. To ensure proper cooking, stick to a manageable amount of ingredients and consider making two batches if you’re serving a crowd. This will allow for better flavor development and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pot Spaghetti is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• A fresh garden salad – The crispness of greens complements the rich flavors of the spaghetti, creating a delightful contrast in textures.
• Garlic bread – This classic side adds a buttery, savory element that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Parmesan cheese – Sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan over your dish elevates the taste and adds a salty finish that many enjoy.

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for One Pot Spaghetti?

To make this delicious One Pot Spaghetti, you will require basic ingredients such as spaghetti noodles, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and vegetable or chicken broth. You can also add proteins like ground beef or sausage, along with vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for an extra nutritional boost. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to enhance the flavor. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights as it requires minimal prep and cleanup.

How long does it take to cook One Pot Spaghetti?

One Pot Spaghetti is not only quick to prepare but also cooks in about 20-25 minutes. You’ll start by sautéing your aromatics—such as garlic and onions—then add your other ingredients. Once everything is in the pot, bring it to a boil before reducing the heat to simmer until the pasta absorbs most of the liquid. This cooking method infuses all flavors into the spaghetti while ensuring a perfect texture.

Can I customize my One Pot Spaghetti?

Absolutely. One Pot Spaghetti is highly customizable. You can switch out the protein for vegetarian options like chickpeas or tofu if you prefer a meatless dish. Additionally, feel free to incorporate any seasonal vegetables you have on hand or substitute different types of pasta based on your preference. Adding spices like red pepper flakes or fresh herbs can also give it a personal touch, making it uniquely yours.

Can I make One Pot Spaghetti ahead of time?

Yes, making One Pot Spaghetti ahead of time is a great idea for meal prep enthusiasts. Cooked spaghetti keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To store it properly, let it cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Just be mindful that reheating may alter its texture slightly; adding a splash of broth can help restore moisture.

Conclusion for One Pot Spaghetti

One Pot Spaghetti is an ideal recipe for those seeking convenience without sacrificing flavor. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation steps, this dish appeals to busy home cooks and families alike. Its adaptability allows you to experiment with various proteins and vegetables according to your taste preferences and dietary needs. From serving suggestions like garlic bread to healthy salads, this meal fits many occasions effortlessly. Enjoy discovering new variations while sharing this delightful recipe with friends and family.

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One Pot Spaghetti

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• Author: Ann Foster
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

One Pot Spaghetti is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, combining rich flavors and minimal cleanup. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty meal featuring perfectly cooked spaghetti in a savory tomato sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs. This versatile dish allows for easy customization by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a family favorite. Everything cooks together in one pot, ensuring less hassle and more time to savor each delicious bite. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or seeking a quick meal after a long day, this One Pot Spaghetti recipe guarantees satisfaction and comfort in every serving.

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Ingredients

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• 8 oz spaghetti (regular or whole wheat)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
2. Pour in canned diced tomatoes with their juices; stir to combine with garlic.
3. Add dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to create the sauce base.
4. Break spaghetti in half if needed and add it to the pot along with enough water or broth to cover.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until pasta is tender.
6. Remove from heat, serve hot, and garnish with fresh basil.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: One Pot Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 410mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg