If you have ever wished for a pasta dinner that combines simplicity, bold flavors, and minimal cleanup, this Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe will quickly become your go-to. It is the perfect weeknight meal that delivers tender spaghetti, savory meat, and rich marinara sauce all in one pot, making cooking and cleanup a breeze. This dish brings together the heart of Italian-American comfort food with an effortless process, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more enjoying the meal with friends or family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, staple pantry and fridge items that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor, texture, and color in your Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe. Each element has its own starring role, from the aromatic garlic and onion to the savory ground meat and hearty marinara sauce.
- 12 oz spaghetti: The main carbohydrate that absorbs all the delicious sauce flavors during cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a punch of fragrant, savory flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Brings protein and a hearty, meaty base.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the individual flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the dish together with a classic Italian vibe.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For just a hint of spicy warmth.
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce: The rich tomato base that coats every strand of spaghetti.
- 3 cups water or beef broth: Required to cook the pasta while infusing extra flavor depending on your choice.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a creamy, salty finish to the dish.
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional): Fresh herbs to brighten and elevate each serving.
How to Make Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and sauté it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more until fragrant. This creates the flavorful foundation your spaghetti will build on.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Next, add your ground beef or Italian sausage into the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until fully browned and crumbly. Make sure to drain any excess fat so your dish doesn’t turn greasy, but the rich meaty flavor stays perfectly intact.
Step 3: Season to Perfection
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and, if you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, letting those herbs and spices marry with the meat and onions for that classic pasta taste.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now for the fun part—add the dry spaghetti straight to the pot. If your pan is not quite wide enough, break the spaghetti in half. Pour in the jar of marinara sauce and the 3 cups of water or broth. Stir gently to combine all the components without breaking the pasta noodles.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to check that the spaghetti is soft and has absorbed most of the flavorful liquid. This one pot method means the pasta soaks up all those incredible flavors right inside the skillet.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Once the spaghetti is perfectly tender, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese which melts in beautifully, adding a creamy and tangy note. Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes so the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld even more.
How to Serve Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil instantly brightens this dish visually and adds a lovely herbal freshness. For extra indulgence, don’t be shy about adding a little more Parmesan on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This one pot spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Crunchy garlic bread on the side is another fantastic choice to soak up every bit of the sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in deep bowls to hold all the juicy sauce, then garnish each plate with a small pile of grated Parmesan and a fresh herb sprig for an elegant touch. For a fun twist, serve with a side of sautéed mushrooms stirred into the pasta just before plating or mix in baby spinach while the pasta simmers for added color and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe freezes well too. You can portion out the cooked pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to evenly warm and keep the spaghetti from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your preferred pasta type, but keep an eye on cooking times as whole wheat and gluten-free noodles can vary in how quickly they cook.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground meat for plant-based alternatives or simply omit it entirely and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of marinara sauce?
While fresh tomatoes could work, the marinara sauce provides a consistent, flavorful base that enriches the dish. If you use fresh tomatoes, you may want to cook them down into a sauce first for best results.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can mix your own with dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary or simply add each herb individually to taste.
How spicy is the recipe with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a touch of warmth without overpowering the dish, but you can adjust the amount or leave it out completely based on your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe is a true lifesaver when you want a comforting, delicious dinner without complicated steps or mountains of dishes. It’s flexible, flavorful, and perfect for bringing everyone to the table in no time. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with how effortlessly tasty weeknight meals can be!
Print
Easy One Pot Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This Easy One Pot Spaghetti recipe combines savory ground beef or Italian sausage with marinara sauce and perfectly cooked pasta all in one skillet or Dutch oven. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this hearty and flavorful Italian-American main course is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family meals. The dish is seasoned with classic Italian herbs and finished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil, making it a comforting and satisfying pasta dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water or beef broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
- Cook Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pan. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Season: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well to combine and evenly distribute the flavors.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Add the dry spaghetti to the skillet, breaking it in half if needed to fit. Pour in the marinara sauce and water or beef broth. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly while absorbing the flavorful sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Let the pasta rest for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and additional cheese if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Add chopped spinach or mushrooms to incorporate extra vegetables into the dish.
- Breaking the spaghetti in half helps it fit better in the pan and cook evenly.
- Use beef broth instead of water for a richer sauce flavor.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
