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Insanely Easy One Pot Pasta in 15 Minutes

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Donna Urso

Parents and grandparents know the challenge of finding quick and easy dinner options that are both delicious and filling for their families. With busy schedules and little time to spare, it's important to have a few go-to recipes that can save us time in the kitchen without sacrificing flavor. 

While taking the time to carefully simmer your special spaghetti sauce is delightful, we don't always have the time. That's where this one-pot pasta dinner comes to the rescue! 

How to Cook Pasta in Minutes

Pasta in a dish


This one-pot pasta dinner is a perfect solution for busy families who need a quick and delicious meal on the table in no time. The unique element of cooking the pasta directly in the sauce saves time and enhances the flavor of the dish. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and customizable options, this recipe is a winner for parents and grandparents alike. 

Try this recipe and enjoy a fuss-free, flavorful pasta dinner that will satisfy your family's hunger and save you precious time in the kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Pasta Dish

If you're a busy person who needs a quick and satisfying dinner, this one-pot pasta dish is perfect for you. Here's why you'll love it:

You'll save time.  When you need dinner in a hurry you don't have time for boiling water and cooking your pasta separately from the sauce.  By using just one pot you will save time on cleanup, too.

It's easy and convenient. This recipe requires minimal prep work and is easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. 

It's delicious and flavorful. Cooking the pasta in the sauce allows it to absorb all the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. The pasta becomes perfectly al dente, and the sauce thickens and coats the noodles, creating a mouthwatering meal that your family will love.

It's customizable. You can easily customize this dish to suit your family's taste preferences. Add in your favorite vegetables, proteins, and herbs to create a personalized pasta dish that your family will enjoy.

Spaghetti on a plate with a fork.


Why Cooking Pasta This Way is Unique

What sets this pasta dish apart from traditional pasta recipes is the unique method of cooking the pasta directly in the sauce. 

By cooking all the ingredients together in one pot, with the addition of four cups of water, you eliminate the need for a separate pot of boiling water to cook the pasta.  This not only saves time but also allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

The Steps to Cook Pasta in One Pot

Now, let's dive into the simple steps to cook pasta in one pot.

You'll need a few simple ingredients:

1 pound of pasta (any variety of your choice):  Choose whatever your family likes.  All kinds will work.

1 jar (28 ounces) of your favorite pasta sauce: Choose a flavorful sauce for the best results.

1 small onion, finely chopped: If you don't like onions you can leave it out.

2-3 cloves of garlic, minced:  I like to use my garlic press for this.

4 cups water:  Your pasta will absorb all of the water.

1 Tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning:  The blend of Italian herbs will kick up the flavor of the dish.

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, more for serving (optional)

Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, and cook for one minute.

Add the jar of pasta sauce, the Italian seasoning, and all of the water to the pan. Stir to combine.

Add the pasta, all at once. Bring the pot to a boil. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until all the water has been absorbed and the pasta is cooked.

Toss the pasta with the Parmesan cheese and serve.  Garnish with additional cheese and some chopped parsley, if desired.

Watch How Simple This Recipe Is


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just keep in mind that different types of pasta may require different cooking times, so adjust accordingly.

Can I add vegetables or proteins to the one-pot pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can customize it to your liking. You can add in your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach, and proteins like cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef. Just add them in with the other ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed.

This recipe uses the same technique.

Can I store leftovers?

Yes, you can store leftovers of this one-pot pasta dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to eat.

The One Pot Pasta Recipe

Quick dinner, One pot pasta, How to cook pasta
Dinner
Italian
Yield: 6
Author: Donna Urso
Insanely Easy 15 Minute Pasta

Insanely Easy 15 Minute Pasta

A one-pot pasta dish for a quick family meal.
Prep time: 2 MinCook time: 20 MinTotal time: 22 Min

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the pan and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, cook for one minute.
  3. Add the jar of pasta sauce, the Italian seasoning, and all of the water to the pan. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the pasta, all at once.
  5. Bring the pot to a boil. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes until all the water has been absorbed and the pasta is cooked.
  6. Toss the pasta with the Parmesan cheese and serve.

Notes

If you are pressed for time you can skip the onion and garlic.

If you have more time, you can brown ground beef as a first step.

Recommended Products:

6 Quart Dutch Oven
Garlic Press
Italian Seasoning Blend

Nutrition Facts

Calories

375.3

Fat (grams)

6.25 g

Sat. Fat (grams)

1.89 g

Carbs (grams)

66.27 g

Fiber (grams)

4.94 g

Net carbs

61.33 g

Sugar (grams)

7.17 g

Protein (grams)

14.15 g

Sodium (milligrams)

786.15 mg

Cholesterol (grams)

7.25 mg

Nutritional information is approximate.

Similar Recipes

Classic Lasagna

Spicy Italian Sausage Soup

Weeknight Chicken Parmesan

© Just One Donna

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