If you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal that delivers big flavor without a mountain of dishes, this One-Pot Spaghetti recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender spaghetti noodles perfectly cooked right in a rich, savory tomato sauce, all bubbling away together in a single pot. It’s a weeknight winner that’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly versatile — plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Spaghetti Recipe
This recipe is a lifesaver when time is short but you still want a delicious, homemade meal. Only one pot means less mess, and cooking the pasta directly in the sauce means every bite soaks up maximum flavor. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone craving comfort food without the fuss. Plus, you can customize it easily with different proteins or veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this simple, flavorful dish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or skip for a veggie version)
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic makes all the difference!)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (choose your favorite brand or homemade)
- 3 cups beef broth or water (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 12 ounces spaghetti, broken in half (or your preferred pasta shape)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Meat & Aromatics
Heat your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned — about 5 minutes. This browning step develops flavor, so don’t rush it!
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté together for 2 minutes until fragrant and soft, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks or burns. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. These spices bring that classic Italian flavor punch that makes the sauce sing.
2. Add the Sauce Ingredients & Pasta
Pour in the marinara sauce, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together so the flavors meld nicely. Now, add your broken spaghetti noodles. Press them down gently so they’re mostly submerged in the liquid, but avoid stirring too much at this point — this helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
3. Simmer Until Perfect
Turn the heat up to bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce it to low. Cover the pot and let everything simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from clumping and to ensure it cooks evenly. You’ll notice the pasta absorbs the flavorful sauce, becoming tender and delicious as the sauce thickens around it.
4. Finish With Cheese and Fresh Herbs
When the spaghetti is perfectly cooked and the sauce is thick and rich, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese — it adds creaminess and that irresistible salty tang that rounds out the dish. Sprinkle the fresh basil or parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Serve this steaming, cheesy spaghetti straight from the pot, and watch everyone dig in!
Tips and Tricks for the Best One-Pot Spaghetti
- Fresh garlic and herbs make a noticeable difference in flavor, so try not to skip them.
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit better in the pot and cook evenly.
- If you want to avoid sticking, stir gently and occasionally during simmering.
- For a creamier twist, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta right before serving.
- Vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach can be stirred in halfway through cooking to boost nutrition and texture.
- Don’t hesitate to experiment with different proteins like ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles — all work beautifully here.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Delight: Skip the meat, use vegetable broth, and load up on your favorite veggies.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
- Cheesy Overload: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and broil briefly until bubbly and golden.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and watch your cooking time closely since it varies.
Storage and Reheating
This One-Pot Spaghetti is excellent for leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. It also freezes well — freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness, while garlic bread or toasted baguette slices add crunch and soak up every last bit of sauce. Steamed or roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans round out the meal nicely.
FAQs About One-Pot Spaghetti
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes! Just keep in mind different shapes may require adjustments in liquid and cooking time. Short pastas like penne or rotini are great alternatives.
Do I really not need to boil the pasta separately?
That’s right! Cooking pasta directly in the sauce means it absorbs all those delicious flavors, making the dish more cohesive and saving you time.
How can I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir gently but regularly while it cooks, especially early on, and make sure the noodles are submerged in enough liquid.
What if I want a creamier sauce?
Try stirring in a splash of heavy cream, cream cheese, or ricotta cheese just before serving.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just note that the pasta may absorb more sauce as it sits, so add a little extra broth or water when reheating.
What protein alternatives can I use?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes work beautifully and keep the dish flexible to your preferences.
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Spaghetti is truly the ultimate comfort food for busy days. It’s fast, flavorful, and fuss-free with endless ways to tweak it to your liking. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy bowl of pasta, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try tonight — you’ll love how easy and delicious it is!
Easy One-Pot Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- 12 ounces spaghetti, broken in half
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in marinara sauce, beef broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Add broken spaghetti noodles, pressing them down gently so they are mostly submerged. Avoid stirring too much to prevent sticking.
- Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!