Nothing beats the sound of pasta bubbling away in one pot while garlic and herbs fill your kitchen. This one pot pasta magic has taken over dinner tables everywhere, and for good reasoneverything cooks together in perfect harmony.
Imagine tender pasta swimming in its own silky sauce, no draining required. The starch releases right into the liquid, creating that creamy coating without any cream. Fresh basil, garlic, and parmesan melt into every strand. Just one pot, one spoon, one gorgeous mess of flavor.
Started perfecting pasta techniques back in 2016 when testing recipes became my obsession. My neighbor peeked over the fence one evening, drawn by the oregano and tomato scents. The secret I discovered? Toast your garlic first, then add everything cold and let it build together. Changes the whole flavor game.
PrintOne Pot Pasta: Simple Delicious Recipe to Try Now
This One Pot Pasta recipe offers a creamy and easy meal ready in just 35 minutes. Perfect for busy nights, it combines flavorful sauce, tender pasta, and cheese for a satisfying dish. Enjoy Easy One Pot Pasta that’s delicious every time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 (24.5 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 24 oz chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 16 oz penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a large heavy pot and cook the diced onion until it softens, about four minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Add the penne pasta, stir well, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer, stirring often to avoid sticking.
- Continue to simmer for 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to half its original volume.
- Mix in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until evenly melted and combined. Serve at once for best taste.
Notes
- How to add ground beef or turkey: Add the ground meat with the onion and cook while breaking it apart until no pink remains
- Drain excess grease and proceed with the recipe
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 390kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1229mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 33mg
Why This Cheesy One Pot Pasta Works So Beautifully
The genius lies in letting the pasta cook directly in the marinara sauce and chicken broth. As the penne simmers, it releases starch that naturally thickens the liquid into a silky coatingno cream needed, just pure pasta alchemy.
The diced onions melt into sweet, caramelized bits while the garlic infuses the dish with its aromatic charm. The Italian seasoning blooms in the bubbling sauce, creating layers of flavor that coat every piece of pasta. When you stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan at the end, they melt into stretchy, golden perfection.
Pro Tip: The sauce reduces by half during cooking, concentrating all those beautiful flavors. Trust the processit looks soupy at first but transforms into something magical.
Essential Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen
Your olive oil starts the flavor foundation by softening the yellow onion into golden sweetness. The garlic adds aromatic depth, while the marinara sauce brings tomato richness that pairs beautifully with the Italian seasoning.
Chicken broth creates the cooking liquid that turns starchy and luxurious as the penne pasta cooks. The real stars are the cheesesmozzarella for that stretchy pull and Parmesan for sharp, nutty complexity.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Easy Swaps |
|---|---|---|
| Penne Pasta | Holds sauce perfectly | Rigatoni, rotini, or shells |
| Marinara Sauce | Tomato base | Crushed tomatoes + herbs |
| Chicken Broth | Cooking liquid | Vegetable broth or water |
| Mozzarella | Creamy melt | Italian blend cheese |
Step-by-Step: How Your Easy One Pot Pasta Comes Together
Start by heating the olive oil in your Dutch oventhe heavy bottom prevents scorching. Sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then add the penne pasta. Stir well and reduce to a gentle simmerthis is where patience pays off.
- Stir often to prevent sticking
- Simmer for 20 minutes until the pasta is tender
- The sauce should reduce by half and coat the pasta
- Remove from heat before adding cheese
Timing Chart for Perfect Results
| Step | Time | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Sauté onion | 4 minutes | Translucent and softened |
| Add garlic | 30 seconds | Fragrant, not browned |
| Boil sauce mixture | 2-3 minutes | Rolling boil |
| Simmer pasta | 20 minutes | Tender pasta, reduced sauce |
| Melt cheese | 1 minute | Creamy, no lumps |
Troubleshooting Common Hiccups
If your pasta seems too dry, splash in more chicken broth or waterthe starch needs liquid to create that creamy coating. Conversely, if it’s too soupy, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes to let excess liquid evaporate.
Is the cheese getting clumpy? Remove the pot from heat completely before stirring in the mozzarella and Parmesan. The residual heat melts the cheese perfectly without seizing up.
Note: Different pasta shapes absorb liquid differently. Thicker shapes like rigatoni might need an extra 5 minutes of simmering time.
Creative Twists and Add-Ins
Transform this base into a hearty meal by browning ground beef or turkey with the onionsjust drain excess grease before continuing. The meat adds protein and makes it even more satisfying.
Fresh spinach wilts beautifully when stirred in during the last few minutes. Sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers can join the onions for extra vegetables and flavor layers.
Serving and Storage Made Simple
This one pot pasta tastes best when served immediately while the cheese is still melty and the sauce clings to every piece of penne. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 daysjust add a splash of broth when reheating.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 4 days | Add broth, microwave or stovetop |
| Freezer | 3 months | Thaw overnight, reheat gently |
| Serving fresh | Best immediately | Cheese is perfectly melted |
Expert Says
One pot pasta is not only convenient but also enhances flavor absorption. Cooking pasta in the same pot with the sauce allows starch to leach into the liquid, creating a richer, creamier sauce. Plus, it’s a great way to use up vegetables, making your meal more nutritious and minimizing waste.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Adventure of Perfect One Pot Pasta
Crafting my ideal one pot pasta was a journey filled with accidental oversights and delightful discoveries. After multiple attempts, from too-soggy noodles to a sauce that needed a lift, I finally found the perfect balance of flavors, resulting in a dish that’s both cozy and vibrant. It’s become a family favorite, and each bowl tells our story.
FAQs ( One Pot Pasta )
What is the best pasta to use in this recipe?
For this dish, long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works wonderfully, as they cook evenly and absorb all the flavors. You can also use penne or fusilli for a twist, as they hold sauce well. Just avoid using fresh pasta, as it cooks faster and may not blend well with the cooking time.
How long does it take to cook one pot pasta?
This meal typically takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll want to allow around 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. Remember, the key is to keep the pot covered to steam the pasta evenly while cooking.
Can I use gluten-free pasta in this dish?
Yes, you can absolutely use gluten-free pasta! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may differ from regular pasta. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking for the best results.
What vegetables can I add to one pot pasta?
You can add a variety of vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. These will not only enhance the nutritional value but also add flavorful textures. Just chop them into small pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly with the pasta.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This meal is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to bring back the creamy texture.
Your Perfect One Pot Pasta Awaits
This one pot pasta delivers everything you want in just 30 minutessilky sauce, perfectly tender penne, and that irresistible cheese pull. You’ll love how the flavors meld together while the kitchen fills with garlic and herb aromas. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight cooking feel effortless and satisfying.
Try stirring in fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavorboth pair beautifully with the creamy tomato base. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat if you like a little kick. Leftovers reheat wonderfully with just a splash of broth, making this recipe perfect for busy weeks ahead.
I’d love to see your creamy pasta creations! Tag me in your photos or share what ingredients you added to make it your own. Did this remind you of a favorite family dinner growing up? Save this recipe for those nights when you want something comforting without the fussyour loved ones will thank you.
