Easy One-Pot Pasta Recipes
After a long day, sometimes all you want is a comforting, flavorful meal that doesn’t involve a lot of prep or cleanup. One-pot pasta recipes are the answer: they combine simplicity and deliciousness in a single pot, cutting down on dishes without sacrificing flavor. These easy, hearty meals cook everything—pasta, sauce, and sometimes even the veggies and protein—all in one pot, saving you time and effort on busy weeknights.
-Why One-Pot Pasta is Perfect for Weeknights
One-pot pasta dishes are a game-changer for weeknight dinners. They require minimal ingredients, are endlessly versatile, and are easy to customize with what you have on hand. Plus, the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing extra flavor and giving you a delicious, creamy consistency.
-Top One-Pot Pasta Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Each of these recipes is designed to make your evening stress-free and your dinner delightful. Just gather the ingredients, follow a few simple steps, and enjoy!
1.One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
This creamy pasta is rich, garlicky, and perfect for garlic and cheese lovers. It’s ideal when you’re craving comfort but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Pasta of choice – 8 oz
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable or chicken broth – 3 cups
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1 cup
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley – for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Pour in the broth and heavy cream, then add the pasta. Stir well to combine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
This simple and fresh tomato basil pasta is a family favorite. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s light, flavorful, and cooks in about 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Linguine or spaghetti – 8 oz
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Onion – 1 small, thinly sliced
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh basil – 1 cup, torn
- Vegetable broth – 4 cups
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Parmesan cheese – optional, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, and basil. Pour in the broth and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the broth has mostly absorbed.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Ready for more comforting, healthy meals? Check out the full recipe collection for more plant-based dinner ideas.
This creamy mushroom and spinach Alfredo is packed with earthy flavors and a creamy sauce that feels indulgent but is quick to make. It’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies, too!
Ingredients:
- Fettuccine – 8 oz
- Mushrooms – 1 cup, sliced
- Fresh spinach – 2 cups
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable or chicken broth – 3 cups
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese – 1 cup
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and mushrooms, sautéing until mushrooms are tender.
- Pour in broth and cream, then add pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked.
- Add spinach and Parmesan, stirring until spinach is wilted and cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.
For something with a little kick, this taco-inspired pasta combines the flavors of a taco with the convenience of one-pot cooking. It’s cheesy, a little spicy, and very satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Pasta shells – 8 oz
- Ground beef or turkey – 1 lb
- Onion – 1 small, chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Taco seasoning – 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- Beef or chicken broth – 3 cups
- Salsa – 1 cup
- Cheddar cheese – 1 cup, shredded
- Fresh cilantro – for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground meat with onion and garlic. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning, broth, pasta, and salsa, stirring well to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes, or until pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Garnish with cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
For pesto lovers, this one-pot pesto chicken pasta is fresh, fragrant, and full of flavor. With minimal effort, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- Penne pasta – 8 oz
- Chicken breast – 1 lb, diced
- Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
- Fresh basil pesto – ½ cup
- Chicken broth – 3 cups
- Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Salt and pepper – to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and add diced chicken. Cook until lightly browned.
- Add the pasta, cherry tomatoes, pesto, and chicken broth. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, then season with salt and pepper. Serve with fresh basil or extra Parmesan.
Looking for more easy and healthy recipes? Visit Viral Recipes for a wide range of tips and tricks for making quick and nutritious dishes your whole family will love!
For more nutritious and delicious recipes, check out our collection of healthy vegetarian dishes.
Easy One-Pot Pasta1
Easy One-Pot Pasta2
A pot of creamy one-pot pasta with vegetables and fresh herbs, ready to serve for a quick weeknight dinner.
A pot of creamy one-pot pasta with vegetables and fresh herbs, ready to serve for a quick weeknight dinner.
A pot of creamy one-pot pasta with vegetables and fresh herbs, ready to serve for a quick weeknight dinner.
Conclusion
These easy one-pot pasta recipes are ideal for those busy nights when you want something comforting, delicious, and fuss-free. With just a few ingredients and minimal cleanup, you can enjoy a homemade meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for any taste. So grab a pot, your favorite pasta, and enjoy a delicious weeknight dinner that’s ready in no time. Bon appétit!
That’s a great idea thanks for your advice my friend ❤️