Why Make This Recipe
One pot spaghetti is the perfect solution for busy families. In just one pot, you can whip up a hearty meal without a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. This dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners when everyone’s schedules are packed. It’s also adaptable, allowing you to incorporate whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand. Plus, kids love pasta, and the cheesy, savory flavors in this recipe are sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
How to Make One Pot Spaghetti
This one pot spaghetti recipe is straightforward and user-friendly. Here’s how you can create this delicious dish in a snap:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces of spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup grated cheese (like mozzarella or Parmesan)
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Let it warm up while you get everything else ready.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot. Sauté it for about a minute until you can smell that lovely aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
- Now, throw in your spaghetti, canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Stir occasionally until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in your grated cheese until it’s melted and mixed in nicely.
- Serve it hot, straight from the pot!
How to Serve One Pot Spaghetti
One pot spaghetti is lovely on its own, but you can jazz it up a bit! Consider topping it with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of extra cheese or a side salad for more heartiness. This meal is filling as is, so just the pasta can be enough, especially for kids after a long day.
How to Store One Pot Spaghetti
If you have leftovers (which might be a rarity!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, just heat them up on the stove or in the microwave. You might need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce, as it can thicken up in the fridge.
Tips to Make One Pot Spaghetti
- Add Veggies: Sneak in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition. Just add them in at the same time as the other ingredients.
- Protein: If you’d like to add more protein, diced chicken or turkey can work well. If you prefer a meat-free option, chickpeas or white beans are a great substitute!
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, fontina, or a dairy-free option can change the flavor profile wonderfully.
Variations
This recipe is highly versatile! You can switch up the cheese, use different pasta shapes, or even change the seasoning based on your family’s preference. If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions.
2. What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
No problem! You can substitute it with water, or use chicken broth if you’re okay with that. A bit of apple cider vinegar can add a nice tang when using water.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the spaghetti! Allow it to cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container. It will be good for about 2-3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before warming it on the stove.
One Pot Spaghetti
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy one pot spaghetti, perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces of spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup grated cheese (like mozzarella or Parmesan)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the spaghetti, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in the grated cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Add veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. You can also incorporate cooked chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: one pot spaghetti, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner