If you are searching for a comforting, no-fuss meal that comes together quickly without sacrificing flavor, this One Pot Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender spaghetti, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic garlic in a single pot, minimizing cleanup while maximizing taste. This recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and delivers a satisfying, cheesy finish that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each element plays its part in making this dish both delicious and visually appealing, while keeping it simple enough for beginners and comforting for seasoned cooks.
- 8 oz dry spaghetti: The star of the dish, providing the ideal base with its long, tender strands that soak up all the sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a smooth richness and helps sauté the garlic to fragrant perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a bold, aromatic bite that enhances every mouthful.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes in juice: Creates a vibrant, flavorful sauce that’s both tangy and naturally sweet.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Fresh basil, for garnish: Adds a pop of bright, herbal freshness at the end.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into a luscious, savory finish that brings the whole dish together.
How to Make One Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté it until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, about one minute. This process unlocks the garlic’s full flavor potential, creating a delicious base for your sauce.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Season
Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Season everything with salt and pepper to start building a well-rounded flavor. The tomatoes will simmer down and infuse the garlic oil with their natural sweetness and acidity.
Step 3: Incorporate the Spaghetti and Liquid
Carefully stir in the dry spaghetti to coat it in the tomato mixture. Add enough water or broth to cover the spaghetti by about an inch. This step is crucial because the pasta will cook directly in the sauce, soaking up all those rich flavors as it softens.
Step 4: Simmer Until Al Dente
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Keep the pot uncovered and stir occasionally. After about 10 to 12 minutes, the spaghetti should be perfectly al dente — tender but with a slight bite, and infused with the tangy tomato sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Basil and Parmesan
Once cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts into the hot pasta, creating a creamy texture, while the basil provides a bright, fresh contrast. Serve immediately while it’s warm and comforting.
How to Serve One Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your One Pot Spaghetti Recipe by sprinkling extra grated Parmesan or adding a few more fresh basil leaves on top. For a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or slivers of garlic chips make delightful garnishes. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add a lovely finishing touch, imparting a subtle richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides such as a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or classic garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also bring color and nutrients to the table, balancing the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the spaghetti in warm bowls topped with finely chopped herbs and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat. Alternatively, plate the pasta family-style in a large serving dish to encourage sharing, perfect for cozy dinners with loved ones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, but the pasta may absorb more sauce over time. Enjoy within 3 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
This One Pot Spaghetti Recipe can be frozen, though the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover spaghetti gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth when warming it up to loosen the sauce and revive the pasta’s tenderness. Stir frequently to heat evenly and maintain that delightful saucy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this One Pot Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly here, you can try other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since pasta thickness and shape affect how quickly it cooks.
Is it necessary to use canned diced tomatoes, or can I use fresh tomatoes?
Canned diced tomatoes provide consistent flavor and texture, plus the juice ensures enough liquid for cooking the pasta in the pot. Fresh tomatoes can work if finely chopped and combined with some water or broth, but the texture might vary slightly.
Can I add meat or vegetables to make this recipe more filling?
Yes, adding cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers can turn this into a heartier meal. Add them early in the cooking process or as a topping to maintain the one-pot convenience.
How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking together while cooking?
Stirring occasionally is key to prevent the spaghetti from clumping as it cooks in the sauce. The olive oil also helps keep the strands separate. Make sure you use enough liquid to allow the pasta to move freely in the pot.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This One Pot Spaghetti Recipe reheats well and can be portioned into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just remember to keep the pasta slightly saucy to avoid drying out when stored.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Spaghetti Recipe is such a gem in the kitchen—simple, flavorful, and wonderfully efficient. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal, it brings comfort to the table with minimal effort. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the joy of a delicious, fuss-free dinner that becomes an instant favorite. Grab your pot and get ready to dive into a plate of pure pasta happiness!
Print
One Pot Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This One Pot Spaghetti recipe is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Using just one pot, you cook uncooked spaghetti directly with tomatoes and garlic, resulting in a flavorful, comforting dish with minimal cleanup. Garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, it offers a fresh and savory Italian-inspired dinner in under 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz dry spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes in juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oil and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute, to infuse the oil with flavor without browning the garlic.
- Add tomatoes and season: Add the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juice to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to combine the flavors.
- Add spaghetti and liquid: Stir in the uncooked spaghetti, spreading it out in the pot. Pour in enough water or broth to cover the pasta by about an inch, ensuring the spaghetti cooks evenly.
- Cook the pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the spaghetti to soften until al dente.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and serve hot for a flavorful, easy pasta dinner.
Notes
- For more flavor, use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water when cooking the spaghetti.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking the pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- You can add cooked protein such as ground beef, sausage, or plant-based alternatives for a heartier meal.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
