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Quick & Easy One-Pot Pasta Dinner

When life gets busy but your cravings demand comfort, Quick & Easy One-Pot Pasta Dinner is your hero. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta simmering in a rich, flavorful sauce with tender vegetables and savory seasonings—all coming together in one pot. This dish is the ultimate weeknight solution, cutting down on dishes while delivering maximum flavor.

The first time I made this, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing taste. The pasta absorbs all the flavors as it cooks, creating a creamy, cohesive dish that feels like it took hours.

What I love most about this recipe is its flexibility. Add your favorite proteins, swap out veggies, or adjust the seasoning to suit your mood. Let’s dive into the magic of Quick & Easy One-Pot Pasta Dinner!

Quick & Easy One-Pot Pasta Dinner combines pasta, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce in one pot for a simple, delicious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this customizable dish is quick to make and easy to clean up.

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An Exciting Story

The first time I served this One-Pot Pasta Dinner, it was a lifesaver after a long day My husband loved the creamy sauce, and the kids had fun naming all the veggies they could spot. Now, it’s a go-to meal that we can tweak depending on what’s in the fridge—it’s comfort food at its finest.

Why This One-Pot Pasta Dinner?

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
  • Full of Flavor: Pasta cooked directly in the sauce absorbs every bit of flavor.
  • Customizable: Use your favorite vegetables, proteins, or seasonings.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry family.
  • Weeknight-Friendly: All the comfort with none of the fuss.

What You Need for One-Pot Pasta Dinner

  • Base Ingredients:
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 small onion, diced
    • 2 cups vegetables (e.g., cherry tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, bell peppers)
    • 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine work well)
    • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream or milk
    • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Seasonings:
    • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
    • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional Add-Ins:
    • 1 cup cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp
    • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

How to Make One-Pot Pasta Dinner

  1. Sauté Aromatics:
    • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add Vegetables:
    • Stir in the vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender.
  3. Add Pasta and Liquid:
    • Place the pasta in the pot, then pour in the broth and cream. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
  4. Cook the Pasta:
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
  5. Add Cheese and Protein (Optional):
    • Stir in the Parmesan cheese and any cooked protein, if using. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
  6. Serve and Garnish:
    • Divide into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for One-Pot Pasta Dinner

  1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks to ensure it doesn’t get too soft.
  2. Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and adds more flavor to the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free: Replace cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
  • Vegetarian: Keep it meat-free or add plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu.
  • Low-Carb: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Make a Healthier Version

  • Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for added fiber and protein.
  • Add more vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or kale for extra nutrients.
  • Use half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk instead of heavy cream.

Closing for One-Pot Pasta Dinner:

And there you have it—Quick & Easy One-Pot Pasta Dinner, a comforting meal that’s as simple as it is delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let us know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to explore more of our quick dinner recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions for One-Pot Pasta Dinner

  1. Can I make this ahead of time?
    It’s best served fresh, but you can reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
  2. How do I store leftovers?
    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  3. Can I freeze this dish?
    Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but you can freeze it if you skip the cream and add it fresh when reheating.
  4. What pasta works best?
    Short pasta like penne or rotini works well, but long pasta like spaghetti is great too—just stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
    Use milk with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch for a lighter sauce.
  6. Can I add more vegetables?
    Absolutely! Add mushrooms, peas, asparagus, or any vegetables you love.
  7. What’s the best protein to add?
    Cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp are excellent additions, but plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas also work.
  8. How do I make it spicier?
    Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
  9. Can I use water instead of broth?
    Yes, but broth adds more flavor. If using water, increase the seasoning.
  10. Why is my sauce too thick?
    Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
  11. Can I make it vegan?
    Use plant-based milk, skip the cheese, or substitute with nutritional yeast.
  12. What pairs well with this dish?
    Serve with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete
Quick & Easy One-Pot Pasta Dinner

Quick & Easy One-Pot Pasta Dinner

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Alexandra
Servings

4

 

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

0

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • Base Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsp 2 olive oil

  • 3 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 small 1 onion, diced

  • 2 cups 2 vegetables (e.g., cherry tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, bell peppers)

  • 12 oz 12 pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine work well)

  • 4 cups 4 vegetable or chicken broth

  • 1 cup 1 heavy cream or milk

  • 1 cup 1 grated Parmesan cheese

  • Seasonings:
  • 1 tsp 1 Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Optional Add-Ins:
  • 1 cup 1 cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp

  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Directions

  • Sauté Aromatics:
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add Vegetables:
  • Stir in the vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender.
  • Add Pasta and Liquid:
  • Place the pasta in the pot, then pour in the broth and cream. Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
  • Cook the Pasta:
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has thickened into a creamy sauce.
  • Add Cheese and Protein (Optional):
  • Stir in the Parmesan cheese and any cooked protein, if using. Mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
  • Serve and Garnish:
  • Divide into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

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