One-Pot Pasta Recipes for Busy Nights

When life gets hectic, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. One-pot pasta recipes offer a fantastic solution, allowing you to prepare a delicious, hearty meal with minimal cleanup. These recipes combine pasta with savory ingredients in a single pot, making your cooking experience efficient and stress-free. Here are some of the best one-pot pasta dishes perfect for busy nights.

1. One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

This creamy tomato basil pasta is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that comes together in just one pot. With its rich, creamy sauce and fresh basil, it’s a surefire hit for a quick family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini works well)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
3. Add the pasta, ensuring it’s covered by the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips:

• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and basil before serving.
• Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.

2. One-Pot Spinach and Artichoke Pasta

Inspired by the classic spinach and artichoke dip, this one-pot pasta dish is creamy, flavorful, and loaded with vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces pasta (farfalle or bow tie pasta is ideal)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
2. Stir in artichoke hearts, spinach, cream cheese, and chicken broth.
3. Add the pasta and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is cooked and the sauce is creamy.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Tips:

• For added crunch, top with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs before serving.
• Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

3. One-Pot Sausage and Peppers Pasta

This flavorful dish combines savory sausage with sweet bell peppers and onions, all cooked together in one pot for a hearty meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned.
2. Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic, and cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning.
4. Add pasta and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until pasta is cooked and the sauce is thickened.
5. Stir in mozzarella cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Tips:

• Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of flavor.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread to complete the meal.

4. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This bright and zesty dish combines succulent shrimp with pasta in a lemon garlic sauce, offering a refreshing twist on traditional pasta recipes.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in chicken broth and lemon juice, bringing to a boil.
4. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, or until pasta is al dente and coated with the sauce.
5. Stir in cooked shrimp, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Tips:

• For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Garnish with additional lemon zest for a fresh citrus flavor.

5. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff Pasta

This creamy beef stroganoff pasta is a comforting dish combining tender beef with a rich, creamy sauce and pasta, all cooked in one pot.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine or pappardelle)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (8 ounces) mushrooms, drained
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add beef and cook until browned. Remove beef and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
3. Stir in beef broth, sour cream, mushrooms, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
4. Add pasta and return beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until pasta is cooked and sauce is creamy.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips:

Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more beef broth or sour cream.

Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.