One Pot Pasta Dinner
For this One Pot Pasta Dinner, you simply dump everything in one pot and 10 minutes later, dinner!
Have you seen those One Pot Pasta Dinner recipes on the internet? I mostly see them passed around on Facebook. There are lots of different variations, and I always wondered whether they really worked because, really, it sorta seems a little too good to be true, doesn’t it?
I mean, can you really just dump all your ingredients in a pot, bring it to a boil, and 10 minutes later have a pasta dinner all ready to serve?
Well, I was having trouble believing it would work, so I decided to experiment. If you’ve ever wondered about those recipes, think of this as a public service from me to you. You’re welcome.
I really did dump everything into one big pot and cooked it for about 10 minutes or until almost all the water was absorbed. Here’s what I decided: 1) the onion still tasted just the tiniest bit raw – maybe that’s because I normally saute the onion in olive oil for my pasta sauce – and 2) the finished dish had a starchy mouthfeel. I’m sure the starchiness is a result of not having an opportunity to drain off the pasta cooking water. It’s all still right there in the pot.
Having said that, however, it wasn’t horrible. It would definitely work for a night when I’m just too tired to think about what else to cook or when I’m in a huge rush to get dinner on the table. It definitely won’t take the place of my usual freshly made tomato sauce, though :-)
If you want to give this one-pot method a try, here’s my recipe. Let me know what you think!
How to Make One Pot Pasta Dinner
- Put all the ingredients except the olives and about 1/4 of the fresh basil in a large pot.
- Cover and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir frequently. Cook until almost all the liquid has evaporated.
- Near the end of cooking, stir in the olives and the remaining basil. Continue cooking just until the olives are heated through.
- Taste and adjust for salt if needed.
- Serve topped with Parmesan.
More Pasta Recipes You’ll Like
- Summertime Pasta Salad
- Pasta Arrabiata
- Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
- Pasta with Sausage and Leeks
- Creamy Shrimp and Pasta
- Pasta Puttanesca
- Pork Chops and Pasta
Questions? I’m happy to help!
If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox.
One Pot Pasta Dinner
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta spaghetti, linguini, penne, fusilli
- 15 ounces canned whole Roma tomatoes with their juice
- 1 onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 10 large basil leaves julienned
- 32 ounces vegetable broth
- ½ cup water or white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup Kalamata olives pitted, chopped
- grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Put all ingredients except the olives and about 1/4 of the fresh basil in a large pot.12 ounces pasta, 15 ounces canned whole Roma tomatoes with their juice, 1 onion, 4 cloves garlic, Pinch red pepper flakes, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 10 large basil leaves, 32 ounces vegetable broth, ½ cup water or white wine, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cover and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir frequently. Cook until almost all the liquid has evaporated.
- Near the end of cooking, stir in the olives and the remaining basil. Continue cooking just until the olives are heated through.½ cup Kalamata olives
- Taste and adjust for salt if needed.
- Serve topped with Parmesan.grated Parmesan cheese
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
I’m all for one pot everything! Love this.
Ummm. LOVE THIS!! Definitely want to give this a try.
I keep seeing these recipes and want to try them. So easy!
One pot is my favorite type of pasta! So easy and delicious!
I think this idea is brilliant and I must try it one of these days!
I’ve been wanting to make a one pot pasta dinner! This looks great!
As I was reading this post I wondered about the starchy mouth feel of the pasta. That said, your photos look wonderful! I might try this one night when I’m just too tired to cook and my crew is hungry!
I’ve seen them, but I’ve never tried them. Glad you did and gave it your stamp of approval. I must try yours soon. Love the ease for busy days. Thanks, Lana!
I am absolutely loving the one pot meal lately. So easy and fast! Your version is definitely on my list to try!
I have seen them (I think mainly that one gorgeous photo…is it from Martha Stewart?) and I wonder, one day I’ll try! Yours looks great, Lana!!!
Nice and easy recipe. Thank you.
I made something similar to this once and it was sooo good. Yours looks amazing!
I love the idea of these pastas, but I agree that the onion would taste better sautéed a bit. I’ve done them a few times with Asian flavors tough and I think it works better that way. :)
That’s interesting, Lauren. I’ll have to look around for an Asian version!
I love love love one pot meals! This one looks like a winner!
OK, I’ve never even heard of making pasta like this. Crazy! It looks super quick and simple, though I’d probably still prefer to dirty a couple extra dishes :)
I thought it was really interesting, Sues. I wouldn’t do it every time, either :-)
Love me some one pot meals and I absolutely love those kalamata olives!
Kalamata are my favorite!
Yes! One pot, and quick and tasty! That’s my motto and it looks great!
Some days you just need a quick, easy option. This was a good one!
I love one-pot dinners! This looks delicious!
Sign me up! one pot is easy!
I love pasta dishes! Pinned to save!
We always enj0y a good pasta dish, Melissa. It appears on our dinner table at least once a week in some form.
One pot pastas are so much fun! Thanks for sharing this version.
This was my first time trying one, Rebecca, but won’t be my last. Lots of fun for sure.
I have seen several of these one-pot pasta dishes. And I want to make them all…including this one! Printed!
There are several that I want to try, too, Amy. So easy!