Quick One-Pot Pasta

4.97 from 26 votes
Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

For a weekday dinner that’s ready in less than 20 minutes, there’s nothing like my one pot pasta recipe. It’s quick, easy to make, and packed full of fresh veggies.

one pot pasta finished dish

Getting your five-a-day can be affordable and delicious with my super quick pasta recipe, packed full of delicious veggies and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a great way to use up leftover produce or pull together an easy dinner when you haven’t got a lot of time to cook. This simple recipe is ready in 20 minutes and has just three steps: perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

ingredients for one pot pasta
  • Dried Pasta: The best pasta for a one pot pasta dish is shorter varieties—think penne, fusilli (like I’m using), or conchiglie. You can also use gluten-free pasta or wholegrain noodles for extra flavor.
  • Tomato Sauce: I like to use homemade, but any store-bought variety that’s 100% tomatoes also works.
  • Cherry Tomatoes
  • Spinach
  • Zucchini
  • Red Pepper
  • Mushrooms
  • Water
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Seasonings: dried oregano, salt, red chili pepper flakes.

How to make one-pot pasta

Combine Ingredients: To make a one pot pasta, first chop the mushrooms, pepper, tomatoes, and zucchini into large chunks. Dice the onion and garlic.

Then, add all the vegetables, onion and garlic, water, tomato sauce, and seasonings in a large saucepan. Add the dried, uncooked pasta and mix so the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.

first steps for one pot pasta

Boil and Simmer: Turn the heat up to medium-high heat and cook the one-pot pasta for a few minutes until the liquid comes to a boil. The veggies will also release liquid into the sauce as they cook.

Once it’s reached the boil, lower the temperature to medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes to completely cook the pasta to an al-dente texture. Stir every few minutes to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

second step for one pot pasta

Add Spinach and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the spinach until it starts to wilt. Taste the sauce and add a little more salt if desired.

Portion this easy pasta recipe into bowls and serve with cracked pepper or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

A serving of one pot pasta dish

If you try this one-pot pasta recipe, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations—tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!

Quick One Pot Pasta

4.97 from 26 votes
By: Samira
For an easy dinner option that’s ready in less than 20 minutes, there’s nothing like my one pot pasta recipe. It’s quick, easy to make and packed full of fresh veggies.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 
 

  • 8 oz dry pasta 3 cups
  • 2 1/2 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
  • 10 oz cherry tomatoes 2 cups
  • 8 oz red pepper 1 small
  • 5.6 oz zucchini 1 medium
  • 4 oz mushrooms 1.5 cups
  • 3 oz onion 1 small
  • 2 oz spinach 2 cups
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Instructions 

  • Chop up the pepper, zucchini, mushrooms, and tomatoes, then dice the garlic and onion.
  • Put all of the ingredients, including the water and tomato sauce, into a large pot. Add the dried pasta and mix to combine.
  • Put the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring so the pasta doesn't stick.
  • Once boiled, reduce to a simmer and allow to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Cook until the pasta is al dente, and the vegetables are cooked.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the spinach until it starts to wilt. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

To store, allow the one pot pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 2-3 days. I don’t recommend freezing. 
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Freezer friendly: No
Shelf life: 2-3 Days

Nutrition

Calories: 289kcal, Carbohydrates: 59g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 0.3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Sodium: 779mg, Potassium: 995mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 12g, Vitamin A: 4014IU, Vitamin C: 109mg, Calcium: 75mg, Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is a great base recipe to use and possibly adapt as well. Once I understood the concept of using hot water to cook the pasta, the flavorings of the toppings can be adjusted. Delicious! Perfect easy no-fuss meal! Thank you!

  2. 5 stars
    I like this idea. Today I made a ratatouille soup that I will use as the topping here and just add cheese and pasta. Is it not necessary to cover it while it’s in the oven?

    1. Hi Becky,
      If you feel like it’s browning too fast on top, you can cover it after the initial 20-25 minutes.