15 Super Easy One-Pot Pasta Recipes

Introduction

If you’re searching for quick, satisfying meals with minimal cleanup, one-pot pasta recipes are the answer. These dishes are a weeknight game-changer: everything goes into a single pot, including the pasta, which absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks. From hearty classics to fresh and vibrant medleys, one-pot pasta is a reliable way to get dinner on the table fast—without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.

Why One-Pot Pasta is a Crowd Pleaser

Making pasta in a single pot means less work, less mess, and more flavor. The pasta soaks up all the seasonings and sauces directly, resulting in a dish that’s creamy and cohesive. Plus, these recipes often rely on pantry staples and flexible ingredients, so you can whip up a meal with what you have on hand. Whether you want a comforting cheesy pasta, a veggie-packed primavera, or a zesty tomato-based dish, these recipes make dinnertime truly effortless.

15 Super Easy One-Pot Pasta Recipes

From creamy classics to bright, healthy options, these 15 recipes ensure you’ll always have a delicious dinner on the table—fast:

1. One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta: Silky and cheesy with a boost of garlic flavor.
2. One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese: Ground beef, tomatoes, and Italian herbs coming together for a family favorite.
3. One-Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta: Fresh basil pesto and tender chicken create a quick and aromatic dish.
4. One-Pot Vegetarian Primavera: Colorful seasonal veggies and hearty penne for a light, wholesome dinner.
5. One-Pot Cajun Sausage Pasta: Smoky sausage, peppers, and a bold Cajun cream sauce.
6. One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta: Tomatoes, cream, and sweet basil blend seamlessly as the pasta cooks.
7. One-Pot Spinach & Artichoke Pasta: Inspired by the classic dip, this tangy, creamy pasta is full of greens.
8. One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta: Bright lemon zest and creamy ricotta cheese make a fresh-tasting meal.
9. One-Pot Taco Pasta: Taco seasoning, black beans, and ground beef for a Tex-Mex spin.
10. One-Pot Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta: Earthy mushrooms and a creamy sauce give this dish a comforting twist.
11. One-Pot Puttanesca: Anchovies, capers, olives, and tomatoes add briny, bold flavor.
12. One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Pasta: A family-friendly mac and cheese with added nutrition from broccoli.
13. One-Pot Greek Chicken Orzo: Orzo, lemon, feta, olives, and chicken for a Mediterranean-inspired hit.
14. One-Pot Shrimp Scampi Pasta: Juicy shrimp, garlic, parsley, and a hint of lemon cook together beautifully.
15. One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Pasta: Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and cream turn this into a restaurant-worthy meal.

💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe collection with CookifyAI to automatically generate a master shopping list—ingredients are sorted by grocery section for quick, efficient trips and meal planning ease.

Basic One-Pot Pasta Instructions

1. Heat oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
2. Add your protein (if using); cook until browned.
3. Stir in vegetables and cook until just starting to soften.
4. Add the dry pasta and enough liquid to mostly cover the pasta.
5. Add sauce components (e.g., tomatoes, cream, or pesto) and bring everything to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to a simmer. Stir frequently and cook until the pasta is al dente (about 10-12 minutes).
7. Mix in cheese if desired, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

Weekly Meal Planning

One-pot pasta dishes are a dream for meal prep—they’re quick, customizable, and reheat beautifully for leftovers. Save and schedule these recipes with CookifyAI to build your weekly menu and generate smart, consolidated shopping lists.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically totals your shopping list for all selected recipes
• Keeps ingredients organized by grocery section
• Reduces waste by showing overlapping ingredients and quantities
• Ensures you never forget a key item or buy multiples

Pro tip: Plan several of these one-pot pasta recipes in a week—CookifyAI will sum up pantry needs so you buy just the right amount of pasta, veggies, and proteins. Perfect for busy families or anyone looking to simplify dinnertime.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes per recipe
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes per recipe
Total Time: 25–30 minutes from start to finish

With these 15 super easy one-pot pasta recipes, dinner is always simple, delicious, and efficiently planned—just the way it should be!