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Easy Dump-It-In One-Pot Pasta Recipe for a Cozy Dinner Tonight

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A quick and comforting one-pot pasta dish where all ingredients are dumped into a single pot, creating a creamy, flavorful meal with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces dried spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 ½ cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional add-ins: cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: mince garlic, finely chop onion, grate Parmesan cheese, measure broth, and open diced tomatoes (about 5 minutes).
  2. Combine everything in the pot: place dried pasta in a large pot or skillet. Pour in broth and diced tomatoes with juice. Add garlic, onion, olive oil, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking (5-7 minutes).
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring every few minutes to prevent clumping or sticking. Cook for 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.
  5. Check pasta for doneness at 12 minutes; cook a few more minutes if needed, adding a splash of water or broth if sauce gets too thick.
  6. Turn off heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
  7. If desired, stir in optional cooked chicken or sautéed vegetables and warm through for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs sprinkled on top.

Notes

Use a wide pot to allow pasta to spread and cook evenly. Stir often to prevent sticking. Adjust liquid as needed depending on pasta brand and shape. Add Parmesan off the heat to avoid clumping. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or olive oil to maintain creaminess. Sauce thickens as it cools if watery at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, comfort food, dump-it-in pasta, weeknight meal, creamy pasta