How to Make a Simple One-Pot Pasta for a Fast and Flavorful Meal
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Some nights, I just don’t have the energy to deal with a complicated dinner. Between work, family, and everything in between, I need something quick, easy, and still full of flavor. That’s why I love this one-pot pasta recipe. It’s my lifesaver on busy nights when I need a satisfying meal but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.
I remember the first time I tried a one-pot pasta recipe—I was skeptical. Could everything really cook together in the same pot and still turn out delicious? But after that first bite, I was hooked. The pasta absorbs all the flavors as it cooks, creating a rich, savory dish that tastes like I spent way more time on it than I actually did. And the best part? Only one pot to clean!
This meal has quickly become one of my go-to recipes for those nights when I want something comforting without the hassle. If you’re looking for a stress-free, delicious dinner, this one-pot pasta is the way to go!
Looking for more quick and easy meals? Try my Oven Baked Bratwurst for a no-fuss dinner, or check out my Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad for a flavorful side dish!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep.
- One-Pot Wonder – No need to drain the pasta, and fewer dishes to clean.
- Full of Flavor – The pasta absorbs all the deliciousness from the tomatoes, onions, and spices.
- Customizable – Add your favorite proteins or veggies to mix things up.
Equipment I Use & Why It’s Important
Having the right tools makes this one-pot pasta even easier to prepare. Here’s what I use and why it helps make this dish come together effortlessly.
- Dutch Oven – A Dutch oven is perfect for this recipe because it distributes heat evenly, allowing the pasta to cook consistently without burning. The high sides also prevent splatters, keeping everything contained while the ingredients simmer together. If you don’t have a Dutch oven, a large, heavy-bottomed pot will work just as well.
- Wooden Spoon – A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring pasta while it cooks because it won’t scratch the pot’s surface. It also helps prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom while gently folding in all the flavors as the sauce thickens.
Ingredients
- 16 oz Linguine – The perfect long pasta for soaking up all the flavors.
- 12 oz Ripe Cherry Tomatoes – Adds a burst of sweetness and color.
- 1 Onion, Thinly Sliced – Brings depth and natural sweetness to the dish.
- ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes – A little heat to balance the flavors.
- 2 Basil Leaves (Fresh) – For a fresh, herby finish.
- 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness and enhances flavor.
- Salt & Pepper to Taste – Essential for seasoning.
- 4 ½ cups Water – Helps the pasta cook and absorb the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – A final touch of cheesy goodness.
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How I Make It
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
- Rinse and slice the cherry tomatoes.
- Thinly slice the onion.
- Gather the rest of the ingredients so everything is ready to go.
Step 2: Combine Everything in One Pot
- In a Dutch oven, add the linguine, cherry tomatoes, onion, red pepper flakes, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in 4 ½ cups of water, making sure the pasta is fully submerged.
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
- Set the pot over high heat and bring everything to a boil.
- Stir frequently with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook Until Al Dente
- Let the pasta boil uncovered for about 9 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the water is absorbed.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Divide the pasta into serving bowls.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Additional Tips for the Best One-Pot Pasta
- Don’t Skip the Stirring – Keeps the pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Use High-Quality Olive Oil – A good olive oil adds extra richness and depth of flavor.
- Want More Protein? – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.
- Make It Creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta at the end.
- Storage Tip – This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, as it doesn’t keep well in the fridge.
How to Store & Reheat One-Pot Pasta
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can store and reheat it if needed:
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing – This pasta isn’t ideal for freezing as the texture may become mushy.
- Reheating Instructions:
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth and warm over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 300°F for 10 minutes.
If the pasta seems dry, adding a little extra olive oil, broth, or cream can help bring back some moisture.
Meal Prep Recipes
More Quick & Easy Dinner Recipes
If you love simple meals like this, check out these other delicious recipes:
- Oven Baked Bratwurst – Juicy, flavorful brats with no grill required.
- Grilled Mexican Street Corn Salad – A fresh, tangy side dish.
- Oven Baked Bacon – The easiest way to make perfectly crispy bacon.
- Spicy Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins – A great pairing with pasta or soup.
- Homemade Pizza on the Grill – A fun and delicious way to make pizza outdoors.
This one-pot pasta recipe has saved me on so many busy nights, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too. Simple, fast, and packed with flavor—what more could you ask for?
Enjoy and happy cooking! 🍝🔥
Easy One-Pot Pasta – A Quick and Delicious Dinner
Equipment
Ingredients
- 16 oz Linguine
- 12 oz Ripe Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 Onion Thinly Sliced
- ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 Basil fresh
- 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- 4 ½ cups Water
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- First, rinse, cut, and prepare the veggies for this quick pasta recipe.
- Then, combine all of the pasta ingredients with the water in a dutch oven, or large pot. Save the parmesan for later.
- Next, bring everything to a boil over high heat, while stirring the pasta frequently with a wooden spoon.
- Continue to boil until the pasta is al-dente and the water is almost boiled off. This should take about 9 minutes.
- Finally, scoop the pasta into serving bowls and garnish with the parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
- This pasta is best served hot and doesn’t keep very well in the fridge as leftovers. I’d recommend eating all of the pasta right after cooking.
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