There’s something undeniably satisfying about a meal that comes together in just one pot. That evening when I realized I had about 30 minutes before my friend was arriving, I grabbed whatever pasta and pantry staples I could find. The kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic and simmering tomatoes, a warm, inviting scent that made me forget the chaos of the day. I wasn’t quite sure if I’d timed the pasta perfectly—sometimes it’s a little firmer or softer than I expect—but that’s the charm of this dish: a little flexibility, a lot of deliciousness.
As I stirred the pot, the sight of fresh basil wilting into the sauce and the glistening strands of spaghetti soaking up the tomato broth made me realize this was more than just a quick dinner. It was a moment to enjoy, even if I was still a little distracted by the buzzing phone or the half-unread book on the table. The comforting mix of flavors and simple ingredients made it clear that this meal was meant for those busy nights when you want something satisfying without fuss.
- One pot means less washing up, which I always appreciate after a long day.
- The combination of herbs and spices creates a depth of flavor that feels homemade, even if it’s quick.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just straightforward comfort.
- Fresh basil added at the end gives it a bright, fresh note without any extra effort.
Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, this recipe is forgiving. You can tweak the seasoning or swap out the broth for something richer or lighter depending on your mood. Just don’t worry too much about everything being perfect; it’s about enjoying the process as much as the result.
PrintUltimate One Pot Pasta
A quick and flavorful one pot pasta recipe that combines pasta, tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil all cooked together for an easy and delicious meal with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
12 ounces dried spaghetti
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
4 cups vegetable broth
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
In a large deep skillet or wide pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the sliced onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Add the dried spaghetti, diced tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and dried basil to the pot.
Stir everything together to combine and make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Cook for about 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Don’t worry if your pot isn’t oversized—this recipe works well in most deep skillets or wide pots you already have. I usually serve mine with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Sometimes, if I’m feeling adventurous, I toss in a handful of spinach or swap the Parmesan for a sharper cheese, but honestly, the classic version is plenty satisfying.
Variations might include a dash of cream for richness or a pinch more red pepper flakes if you want a little kick. I haven’t tested all these tweaks extensively, but they’ve worked well for me when I wanted to switch things up without adding complexity.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, though cooking times might vary slightly. Just keep an eye on it while simmering.
What if I don’t have fresh basil? Dried basil still works fine, but add it earlier in the cooking to allow flavors to develop.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to keep it saucy.
Ready to make dinner simple and delicious? Dive into this Ultimate One Pot Pasta and enjoy the cozy, flavorful moments it brings to your table.