If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s big on flavor, minimal on mess, and guaranteed to be a family favorite, the Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish combines classic Italian-American comfort with true convenience: all your sauce, pasta, and protein cook together in a single pot, soaking up every bit of deliciousness. The result? Perfectly tender spaghetti coated in a savory, beefy marinara, topped off with a shower of Parmesan and fragrant herbs. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked pasta any other way!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe lies in its simple, familiar ingredients—each one plays an important part in creating the rich, comforting flavors and the perfect texture. Have these on hand, and you’re only 30 minutes away from a homemade meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl!
- Spaghetti (12 oz): The star of the show, cooking right in the sauce to soak up every bit of flavor.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps soften the onions for a smooth, savory base.
- Small Onion, finely chopped: Gives a subtle sweet depth to the sauce—don’t skip it!
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Brings that irresistible, aromatic Italian flavor.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage (1 lb): Adds hearty, meaty texture and makes the meal super satisfying.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient and ties the whole dish together.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): For a touch of heat and depth.
- Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Instantly creates that classic, savory herb flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little kick.
- Marinara Sauce (24 oz jar): The shortcut to deep, tomatoey flavor—choose your favorite brand or homemade.
- Water or Beef Broth (3 cups): Helps cook the spaghetti right in the pot and adds extra flavor if you use broth.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Melts into the pasta for creamy, salty goodness.
- Chopped Parsley or Basil (optional): A fresh, colorful finish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and sauté for three to four minutes, until it’s soft and translucent—this tiny step builds the base of flavor. Next in is the garlic; cook it just for thirty seconds to wake up its aroma without letting it burn.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Stir in your ground beef or Italian sausage and break it apart as it browns. Give it six to eight minutes to get nicely cooked and crumbly. Don’t forget to drain excess fat—this keeps the final dish from feeling heavy while letting all that meaty flavor stick around.
Step 3: Season Everything
Now, it’s time to layer on the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and those optional red pepper flakes. Stir well so every bit of beef gets coated with herby, peppery goodness—it really sets the stage for that classic spaghetti flavor.
Step 4: Add Spaghetti, Sauce, and Liquid
Take your dry spaghetti and lay it into the pot (break those noodles in half if needed to fit). Pour in the marinara sauce and water (or beef broth, if you want extra richness). Give everything a gentle stir, making sure the pasta is submerged and not clumped together. This is the Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe magic—everything cooks together, infusing tons of flavor into those noodles!
Step 5: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Give it a gentle stir every now and then to keep the pasta from sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when the spaghetti is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, creating a luscious, unified sauce.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Remove your pot from the heat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and let everything rest for two to three minutes. This gives the sauce a chance to thicken and the cheese to melt right in. Top it off with more Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil if you like—now it’s ready for the table!
How to Serve Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make a world of difference: shower your hot bowl of spaghetti with extra grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, or bright green basil for a vibrant pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling bold, a light drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes can kick things up another notch.
Side Dishes
This Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a simple crisp salad or crunchy garlic bread never goes amiss. A fresh Caesar salad or roasted veggies also round out the meal beautifully, especially if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the spaghetti high in big warm bowls, twirl with tongs for restaurant-style flair, or serve family-style straight from the pot for a rustic vibe. For a playful touch, add mini meatballs, a small dollop of ricotta, or nestle lightly sautéed veggies right on top. However you plate it, this dish looks as cozy and inviting as it tastes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully! Simply let the Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, where it will stay tasty for up to four days—perfect for grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight heat-ups.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, portion them into individual airtight containers (this makes thawing and reheating a breeze!). The finished dish freezes well for up to three months. For best results, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating; the pasta will maintain a better texture this way.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual servings in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. Stir halfway through for even heating. If you’re warming up a bigger batch on the stovetop, use low heat and a covered pan, stirring occasionally, until everything’s heated through and steamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Most long pasta shapes work well—linguine, fettuccine, or even penne. Just keep an eye on cooking times; you may need to add a bit of extra liquid or reduce it slightly depending on the shape and brand.
Is there a vegetarian way to make Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe?
You bet! Swap the ground meat for a plant-based alternative or just load up on chopped mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. You’ll still end up with a hearty, satisfying pasta bowl that everyone can enjoy.
How can I make this dish with less sodium?
Choose a low-sodium marinara sauce and broth, and go easy on the added salt and cheese. You’ll control every component and still end up with a super flavorful Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe.
What if my spaghetti is sticking together during cooking?
Don’t worry—just give the pot a gentle stir every few minutes, especially in the early stages. Breaking the spaghetti in half before adding helps too, and ensuring there’s enough liquid covering the noodles is key.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Use a big enough Dutch oven or stockpot, double the ingredients, and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time while keeping an eye on stirring and liquid levels. The Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe was made for feeding a hungry group!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making pasta this way, you’re in for a genuine treat—there’s something truly magical (and downright fun!) about the Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe. It’s fast, flexible, and designed for real life, so why not make tonight a pasta night? Give it a try, and watch your family or friends fall in love with this weeknight winner!
Print
Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy One Pot Spaghetti recipe is a simple and flavorful dish that comes together quickly in one pan. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this hearty meal combines pasta, ground beef or sausage, and marinara sauce for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water or beef broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, sauté onion until softened, then add garlic.
- Cook Meat: Brown the ground beef or sausage until cooked through.
- Season and Add Pasta: Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Add pasta, marinara sauce, and liquid.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer until pasta is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan, let rest, then garnish before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
