Easy One-Pot Pasta Recipe

Our Easy One-Pot Pasta is a total weeknight lifesaver—just toss everything into a single pot, let it simmer, and in a flash you’ll have a hearty, colorful pasta loaded with fresh veggies, all perfectly coated in your favorite sauce. If you’re craving a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal that requires almost zero cleanup, this is the dish you’ll fall in love with over and over again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Cleanup is a breeze: Everything goes into one pot, so you minimize dishes and maximize relaxation time after dinner.
  • Ready in just 20 minutes: Forget hours in the kitchen—this Easy One-Pot Pasta is tailored for busy nights or unexpected guests, delivering comfort food fast.
  • Packed with fresh veggies: You get a pop of color and nutrition from spinach, tomatoes, zucchini, and mushrooms in every bite.
  • Super adaptable: Whether you want to keep it vegan, add shredded chicken, or swap in gluten-free pasta, this recipe always delivers.
Easy One-Pot Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of what makes this Easy One-Pot Pasta so lovable is the short, no-fuss list of affordable ingredients. Each one plays a special role in creating a dish that’s full of flavor, color, and hearty texture—even before you get to experiment with custom twists!

  • Dry pasta (8 ounces): Any shape works, but penne, spaghetti, or fusilli are all fabulous since they soak up sauce beautifully.
  • Grape or cherry tomatoes: Sliced in half, they burst with sweet acidity as they cook for juicy pops of flavor.
  • Garlic cloves: Minced garlic provides that aromatic, savory backbone you crave in any pasta dish.
  • Yellow onion: Thinly sliced for sweetness and depth that melt into the sauce.
  • Zucchini: Quartered and chopped for a fresh, gently tender bite and vibrant color.
  • Cremini mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add rich, earthy notes and meaty texture.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch sparks mellow heat—totally adjustable to your taste.
  • Kosher salt: Balances out the natural sweetness and enhances each ingredient’s flavor.
  • Pasta sauce: Tomato-based or whichever variety you love, this coats every noodle and bridges the veggies.
  • Water: The secret to infusing the pasta with every bit of flavor, and getting that dreamy sauce consistency.
  • Fresh spinach: Tossed in at the end for a leafy green boost that wilts down into silky, nutrient-rich ribbons.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The absolute best part about Easy One-Pot Pasta is how effortlessly you can make it your own. Feel free to tweak things depending on what’s in your fridge, what you’re in the mood for, or if you have different dietary needs—it’s almost impossible to go wrong here!

  • Go cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or parmesan right at the end for gooey, cheesy perfection.
  • Add protein: Toss in cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or canned chickpeas before simmering for extra heartiness.
  • Swap the veggies: Use bell peppers, broccoli, or even asparagus depending on what’s in season or what you have handy.
  • Make it vegan: Pick a dairy-free pasta sauce and skip the cheese—this pasta is naturally vibrant and flavorful on its own!

How to Make Easy One-Pot Pasta

Step 1: Build Your Pot

Start with a large pot or deep skillet—make sure there’s enough room for a little bubbling action. Toss in the dry pasta first, then add the tomatoes, garlic, onion, zucchini, mushrooms, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, pasta sauce, and water all together. Give everything a good stir to combine the veggies and pasta so they’re nicely mingled.

Step 2: Simmer and Stir

Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil—this is where the magic starts! Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium low. Let it cook for 10–14 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick. Keep an eye on the pasta texture—start checking a minute or two before the package says it’s done for that perfect toothsome bite.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Finish

With the heat turned off, add your fresh spinach and gently fold it into the hot, saucy pasta. The residual heat will wilt the greens in seconds and add brightness. Spoon the finished Easy One-Pot Pasta into bowls, top as desired, and serve immediately—this dish is at its freshest and most irresistible right off the stove!

Pro Tips for Making Easy One-Pot Pasta

  • Choose Short Pasta Shapes: Smaller shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni cook more evenly in the one-pot method and cling to the sauce better.
  • Stir Frequently: Give the pasta a good stir every two minutes—this prevents sticking and ensures all those vegetables cook evenly.
  • Check Pasta Doneness Early: Because different brands and shapes of pasta vary in cook time, start taste-testing a minute or two before the minimum time for perfect al dente results.
  • Finish with Fresh Greens: Add spinach after turning off the heat so it stays bright green and tender—never mushy!

How to Serve Easy One-Pot Pasta

Easy One-Pot Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

This Easy One-Pot Pasta shines with a simple finish—try a shower of freshly grated parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh basil, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a crack of black pepper. If you love extra heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes is always welcome!

Side Dishes

Pair your pasta with a crisp green salad for freshness or a loaf of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce. If you want a bigger meal, a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread always makes a cozy addition.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your Easy One-Pot Pasta by serving it in pretty shallow bowls surrounded by vibrant greens, or twirl the noodles into little nests for an elegant touch. For a fun family dinner, serve straight from the pot at the table with a buffet of toppings so everyone makes their own perfect bowl!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pasta keeps surprisingly well in the fridge—just pop any leftovers into an airtight container after cooling, and they’ll hold up for up to five days, making it a meal-prep hero.

Freezing

While pasta is usually at its best fresh, you can freeze Easy One-Pot Pasta portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. The texture might be a little softer after thawing, but the flavors only deepen!

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or a bit more sauce to loosen things up, or microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating.

FAQs

  1. Can I use gluten-free pasta for this Easy One-Pot Pasta?

    Absolutely! Just be sure to watch the cook time closely, as gluten-free pasta can become soft quickly. Stir gently and check for doneness a minute or two before the package suggests for your preferred texture.

  2. What if I don’t have all the vegetables listed?

    No problem! This recipe is wonderfully flexible—use whatever veggies you have, like bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, or even carrots. The formula is forgiving and delicious with loads of combinations.

  3. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot?

    The key is to stir every couple of minutes throughout cooking. Using a pot with a wide base also helps. If you notice sticking or scorching, add a splash more water and lower the heat just a touch.

  4. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

    Definitely! Just use a larger pot and keep all proportions the same. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the total cook time, but this Easy One-Pot Pasta is perfect for feeding a hungry group.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in need of a speedy meal that packs tons of fresh flavor with barely any cleanup, Easy One-Pot Pasta is about to become your new go-to. Try it once and I promise—you’ll find yourself coming back to this comforting classic for years to come. Happy cooking!

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Easy One-Pot Pasta Recipe

Easy One-Pot Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 93 reviews
  • Author: Bertha
  • Prep Time: 5 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 Minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 2 to 4 1x
  • Category: Stovetop
  • Method: Stovetop

Description

This Easy One-Pot Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort and delivers delicious results. With a variety of fresh vegetables and a savory pasta sauce, this recipe is perfect for a simple weeknight meal.


Ingredients

Units Scale

8 ounces dry pasta*, gluten-free or regular

  • 8 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 small zucchini, chopped and quartered
  • 3 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/4 cup pasta sauce of choice
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 3 ounces fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Add the uncooked pasta to a large pot (or pan with deep sides). Add the remaining ingredients – except for the spinach – and mix well. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium low and cook the pasta for 10-14 minutes, until al-dente. Stir the mixture every 2 minutes to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan. (Note: cooking times will vary based on the type of pasta used. I suggest you start to check for doneness based on the minimum cook time on the package instructions)
  3. Turn the heat off and fold the spinach into the pasta. Once the spinach has wilted, divide the pasta into serving bowls and top as desired. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 3g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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