Some evenings, the last thing I want is a complicated dinner. This One Pot Pasta mit Zucchini und Hackfleisch hits that sweet spot — easy, satisfying, and just the right amount of cozy. It’s the kind of meal that sneaks up on you with its comforting aromas and leaves your kitchen smelling like a little Italian trattoria.

I remember the first time I made this dish. I was distracted by a call from a friend, trying to juggle the conversation while browning the meat. Somehow, I ended up tossing in the zucchini a bit earlier than the recipe suggested, but it worked out — the veggies turned out perfectly tender with a hint of crispness. That slightly rushed moment made the whole experience feel less like a chore and more like cooking with a story behind it. The bubbling pot, the mingling scents of garlic and oregano, and the warm glow from the stove all invited me to slow down and enjoy dinner.

One pot means fewer dishes and less cleanup — always a win after a busy day.
The combination of zucchini and ground meat creates a hearty yet fresh balance, though the zucchini can soften quickly if you’re not watching.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No elaborate steps or fancy tools needed.
Using penne or any short pasta helps soak up the sauce, but feel free to experiment with shapes you like.

It’s totally fine if you’re not a fan of too much sauce or prefer your pasta with a little bite; adjusting the cooking time slightly makes a difference. This dish tends to thicken as it cools, so serving it right away is best for that perfect texture.

One Pot Pasta mit Zucchini und Hackfleisch

Close-up of one pot pasta with zucchini and meat in a bright, warm setting.

Print Recipe

Ein einfaches und leckeres One-Pot-Gericht mit Pasta, Zucchini und würzigem Hackfleisch, perfekt für ein schnelles Abendessen.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

300 grams Penne oder andere kurze Pasta
400 grams gemischtes Hackfleisch
1 große Zucchini, gewürfelt
1 Zwiebel, fein gehackt
2 Knoblauchzehen, fein gehackt
400 ml passierte Tomaten
750 ml Gemüsebrühe
2 Esslöffel Olivenöl
1 Teelöffel getrockneter Oregano
1 Teelöffel getrocknetes Basilikum
Salz nach Geschmack
Pfeffer nach Geschmack
50 grams geriebener Parmesan zum Servieren

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Erhitze das Olivenöl in einem großen Topf bei mittlerer Hitze.
Füge die gehackte Zwiebel und den Knoblauch hinzu und brate sie für 2-3 Minuten, bis sie weich und duftend sind.
Gib das Hackfleisch in den Topf und brate es unter Rühren an, bis es vollständig durchgegart und krümelig ist.
Füge die gewürfelte Zucchini hinzu und brate sie für 3 Minuten mit dem Hackfleisch.
Gib die Pasta, passierte Tomaten, Gemüsebrühe, Oregano und Basilikum in den Topf. Rühre alles gut um.
Bringe die Mischung zum Kochen, reduziere dann die Hitze und lasse alles bei mittlerer Hitze für 12-15 Minuten köcheln, bis die Pasta al dente ist und die Flüssigkeit größtenteils aufgenommen wurde. Gelegentlich umrühren, damit nichts am Topfboden anbrennt.
Mit Salz und Pfeffer abschmecken.
Die One Pot Pasta auf Teller verteilen und mit geriebenem Parmesan bestreuen. Sofort servieren.

Don’t worry about fancy pots here — any large, sturdy one-pot pan will do. I usually serve this with a simple green salad or crusty bread to mop up the sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of chili flakes adds a nice kick, but I haven’t tested that widely, so go slow. Sometimes I swap ground turkey for the meat, though it changes the flavor a bit, and zucchini can be replaced with yellow squash without much fuss. For a vegetarian twist, tossing in mushrooms or lentils might work, but I haven’t perfected those versions yet.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh. Leftovers keep for up to two days in the fridge and reheat well with a splash of broth.

What if I don’t have passierte Tomaten? Crushed tomatoes or a quick tomato sauce can substitute, though the texture might vary slightly.

Is it spicy? Not unless you add pepper or chili flakes yourself. It’s a mild, comforting dish.

How can I make it gluten-free? Swap in gluten-free pasta, but check cooking times carefully.

Ready to try something that feels like a warm hug from the inside? This One Pot Pasta mit Zucchini und Hackfleisch is waiting for you to stir the pot and fill your kitchen with those irresistible smells. Go on, save this recipe and make dinner a little easier tonight.