Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a warm, comforting bowl of pasta but dreaded the mountain of dirty dishes afterward, this Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe is your weeknight dinner dream come true. In just 30 minutes and one pot, you’ll have perfectly tender noodles mingling with a hearty, savory sauce, all swirled together with melty Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Each bite tastes like Italian comfort food, yet you barely have to lift a finger—meaning you can spend more time actually enjoying dinner, and less time scrubbing pans. Perfect for busy nights, hungry families, and anyone who loves a simple, satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe is how it turns just a handful of everyday ingredients into something truly irresistible. Let’s take a closer look at each one and why they matter for that rich, classic flavor and texture you’re after.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and keeps everything from sticking—the ideal start for building flavor.
- Ground beef: Deliciously meaty and hearty, it forms the backbone of your sauce and keeps everyone satisfied.
- Onion: Diced onion brings natural sweetness and depth—don’t skip it, even if you’re tempted!
- Garlic: Fresh cloves infuse the sauce with that classic Italian aroma we all love.
- Italian seasoning: A little goes a long way in giving this spaghetti its signature herby kick.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—taste and adjust as you go.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Marinara sauce: The shortcut to deeply flavorful sauce without hours of simmering.
- Beef broth: Infuses the pasta and sauce with umami and keeps everything silky as it cooks.
- Uncooked spaghetti: No need to pre-boil—just break in half if you need to fit it all in.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts right in at the end for that irresistibly creamy finish.
- Fresh parsley: A handful as garnish brightens each bowl and makes everything feel a little fresher.
How to Make Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. In about five to six minutes, it’ll be browned and crumbly—a mouthwatering foundation for your Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, toss in the diced onion and let it cook for another three minutes until it turns soft and just beginning to sweeten up the pot. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, then cook for another minute. The aroma will let you know you’re on the right track—this step really unlocks big flavor.
Step 3: Combine Sauce and Broth
Pour in the marinara sauce and beef broth, stirring well to combine everything in the pan. This fragrant mixture is the secret to saucy, flavorful pasta in a single pot—no extra pans or strainers required!
Step 4: Add the Spaghetti
Time to add the uncooked spaghetti. If your pot is on the smaller side, just break the noodles in half so they’ll fit. Push them down gently so they’re mostly submerged in the liquid—don’t worry, they’ll soften up as they cook!
Step 5: Simmer
Bring the whole pot to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, giving it a good stir now and then so nothing sticks. By the end, the spaghetti should be just-tender and the sauce beautifully thickened.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Remove your pot from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan, letting it melt right into the sauce. Top generously with chopped fresh parsley for flavor and a splash of gorgeous color—your Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe is ready to shine!
How to Serve Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A snowy sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a generous scattering of freshly chopped parsley are all you need to take this dish from humble to dinner-party-worthy. For a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes is lovely, too.
Side Dishes
Round out your Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe with simple sides like a crisp Caesar salad, tender roasted vegetables, or warm garlic bread—anything that lets you mop up the extra sauce is a winner. If you’re feeding a crowd, a platter of antipasti completes the Italian vibe beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun, family-style presentation, try serving the spaghetti straight from the pot at the table—kids and grown-ups alike will love helping themselves. Or twirl individual portions into nests and top each with extra parsley and cheese for a little restaurant flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the spaghetti cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze leftovers—just let everything cool completely first. Pack into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, laying them flat for easy storage. It’ll stay delicious for up to two months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen up the sauce and microwave in bursts, stirring in between. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring until hot and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground sausage or ground turkey both work wonders in the Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe. Each brings its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to swap based on your mood or what’s already in your fridge.
Do I have to break the spaghetti noodles before adding them?
If your pot is wide enough, you can add the noodles whole, but breaking them in half helps ensure they fit neatly and cook evenly without sticking out above the liquid.
Can I make this Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe vegetarian?
Very easily! Just swap the beef for a plant-based ground “meat” or add extra sautéed veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Why does my spaghetti stick together or to the bottom?
Be sure to stir every few minutes while the pasta simmers. This prevents sticking and ensures all the noodles cook evenly in the savory sauce.
How can I add more vegetables?
Toss in chopped spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell pepper when you add the onion. The vegetables will blend seamlessly into the sauce, making this easy dinner even more nutritious and colorful.
Final Thoughts
Once you make this Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe, I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to it whenever you need a soul-warming, lightning-fast meal that the whole family loves. It’s unfussy, reliably delicious, and turns the magic of Italian-American comfort into a single pot. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dinner!
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Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe is a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love. With simple ingredients and easy cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
24 ounces marinara sauce
4 cups beef broth
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Brown ground beef, breaking it apart, for about 5–6 minutes.
- Cook Aromatics: Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add Sauces and Pasta: Pour in marinara sauce and beef broth. Add uncooked spaghetti, press it down into the liquid, and bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or sausage for beef.
- For extra vegetables, stir in chopped spinach or mushrooms during the onion step.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
