One Pot Pasta

The most simple and flavorful one pot pasta dinner with a short ingredient list. So good and so easy with minimal clean up!

what exactly is one pot pasta

One pot pasta or one pan pasta is an easy pasta dish where the uncooked pasta cooks alongside everything else – meat, vegetables, herbs and seasonings – in a single pan. As the dish simmers, the starch from the pasta will help transform some of the leftover pasta water into the most lovely saucy consistency, coating the spaghetti so perfectly.

reasons to make one pot pasta

• Perfect weeknight dinner. With one pot to clean up and 5 min prep time, this no-fuss pasta dinner could not get any easier, perfect to keep in your back pocket for those busy weeknights between homework and soccer pick up.
• Great for company. Not only does this come together lightning fast but this is also fancy (and impressive) enough to serve to company. They don’t have to know how easy this really is!
• Short ingredient list. The ingredient list is short, simple and budget-friendly. Not to mention, most of the ingredients are already pantry staples.

how to make the easiest one pot pasta dinner

1. Add all the ingredients to a big pot (including the uncooked pasta)
2. Bring to a boil and simmer until the pasta is al dente and most of the water is absorbed by the pasta, about 10 minutes – stir as needed
3. Add fresh Parmesan, season with additional basil, salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil and serve

tips and tricks for success

• Use a heavy pot. A heavy bottom pot, such as a Dutch oven, is ideal here for ample space for long pastas (such as spaghetti) and even heat distribution.
• Fresh basil is best. Although you can certainly substitute dried herbs in a pinch, fresh basil is ideal here, delivering the best kind of flavor.
• Halve the recipe. For smaller portions to serve 2 people, this recipe can easily be halved as needed.
• Stir, baby, stir. Be sure to keep an eye on the pasta, stirring as needed, to ensure that everything cooks evenly and to prevent sticking.
• Freshly grated cheese goes a long way. While pre-grated Parmesan cheese will save a few minutes in the kitchen, freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano or domestic Parmesan is highly recommended. This gives the favorited rich, nutty flavors, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Add your finishing touches with a drizzle of high quality extra virgin olive oil, adding a smoother, silkier texture and preventing the pasta from sticking and drying out.
• Mix it up. Use chicken or vegetable broth in place of water (or use half and half) for additional flavor, try different veggies (ex. zucchini for tomatoes) or sub a different kind of pasta such as fettuccine or linguine.

One Pot Pasta

Yield: 4 servings

Prep: 5 minutes minutes

Cook: 15 minutes minutes

Total: 20 minutes minutes

The most simple and flavorful one pot pasta dinner with a short ingredient list. So good and so easy with minimal clean up!

4.7 stars (26 ratings)

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Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 (12.8-ounce) package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cups halved grape tomatoes
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 4 ½ cups water
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Equipment

• Dutch Oven

Instructions

• In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium high heat, combine spaghetti, sausage, onion, tomatoes, basil, garlic and water; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked through and liquid has reduced, about 8-10 minutes.
• Stir in Parmesan.
• Serve immediately, drizzled with olive oil.

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