Effortless One-Pot Pasta Recipes for Busy Nights

When you’re short on time but craving a hearty and flavorful meal, one-pot pasta recipes are a game-changer. These easy recipes require minimal prep, cook in one pot, and are perfect for busy nights. Here are a few delicious one-pot pasta ideas to make your weeknight dinners both quick and satisfying.

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1. One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

This creamy, cheesy pasta with garlic and Parmesan is simple, satisfying, and ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Once pasta is cooked, stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

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2. One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta

A fresh, vibrant pasta with Mediterranean ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced tomatoes, olives, oregano, and garlic powder.
2. Add pasta and enough water to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil and cook until pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Stir in crumbled feta cheese and season with salt and pepper.
4. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

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3. One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

A rich, creamy tomato sauce with basil and pasta, perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti or penne
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic powder, and dried basil. Bring to a simmer.
2. Add the pasta and enough water to cover the ingredients. Cook until pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm.

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4. One-Pot Beef and Mushroom Pasta

A hearty, savory pasta with beef, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz pasta (such as rigatoni or penne)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, brown ground beef over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and mushrooms, and cook until softened.
2. Add beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
3. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.

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5. One-Pot Spinach and Ricotta Pasta

A light, creamy pasta with spinach and ricotta cheese for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (such as farfalle or penne)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté garlic over medium heat until fragrant.
2. Add vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in pasta and cook until al dente.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in ricotta cheese and chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

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Tips for Making One-Pot Pasta Dishes:

• Use enough liquid: Make sure there’s enough liquid to cook the pasta and create a creamy sauce. You can always add more broth or water if needed.
• Stir occasionally: Stir the pasta to ensure it doesn’t stick together, especially when cooking in a single pot.
• Customize your veggies: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach, to boost the flavor and nutrition.

These one-pot pasta recipes are perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal effort and cleanup. Enjoy your dinner with ease!