There’s something about a meal that comes together in one pot that feels like a small victory after a long day. The Ultimate One Pot Pasta is that kind of dinner — simple, fresh, and quietly impressive. It’s the kind of dish I usually reach for when I’m distracted by a hundred things at once, maybe trying to keep an eye on a boiling pot while the phone buzzes nearby. Somewhere between stirring and grabbing a quick sip of wine, the kitchen fills with the scent of garlic roasting gently in olive oil, the sweet burst of tomatoes softening, and the fresh zing of basil waiting to be folded in. It’s comforting but not heavy, perfect for those evenings when you want delicious food without the fuss.
It’s funny how a meal like this can feel so effortless yet so satisfying — the kind you want to save in your mental recipe box for when the day just won’t quit. I haven’t tested all of these little one pot pasta recipes out there, but this one strikes a balance between fresh and cozy, with just enough pepper flakes to keep it interesting. And the best part? Less time scrubbing pots means more time enjoying the moment.
- It’s quick — from start to finish in about 25 minutes, which means dinner happens before you know it.
- The cleanup is minimal, but the flavor isn’t sacrificed for convenience.
- It’s packed with fresh ingredients, making it feel light even if you’re craving something filling.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
- Because it’s all cooked in one pot, timing and stirring are a bit more hands-on, so keep an eye on it to get the pasta just right.
If you’re the type who worries about leftovers, this pasta stores nicely in the fridge for a few days and rewinds well with just a splash of broth or water.
PrintUltimate One Pot Pasta
A quick and easy one pot pasta recipe loaded with fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a delicious weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
12 ounces spaghetti
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
In a large pot or deep skillet, combine the spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, garlic, onion, vegetable broth, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10 to 12 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil if desired.
Don’t worry about fancy equipment here — just a decent-sized deep skillet or pot will do the trick. When it’s time to serve, I like to add a bit more grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves on top, which makes it feel a little extra special without extra effort. Sometimes I toss in a handful of baby spinach or swap cherry tomatoes for sun-dried ones to change things up, though I’m not sure it always improves on the original. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the whole dish unexpectedly.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta? You can, but cooking times might vary. Just keep an eye on the texture as it cooks.
What if I don’t have vegetable broth? Water works, but the broth adds a nice depth of flavor.
Is it spicy? Just a hint, thanks to the red pepper flakes — you can adjust that to your taste.
Can I make it vegan? Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
Give this Ultimate One Pot Pasta a try next time you want something effortless but not boring. It’s a little moment of calm in a busy evening, and you might find yourself reaching for it more often than expected.