Quick & Easy One-Pot Pasta Dishes

For many, pasta is a beloved comfort food that can be transformed into numerous quick and easy meals with just one pot. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight dinner or something special to impress guests, these one-pot pasta dishes are versatile, flavorful, and satisfying.

This article provides three delicious pasta recipes: One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta, One-Pot Veggie Pesto Pasta, and One-Pot Meatballs with Tomato Sauce. Each recipe offers a different flavor profile but shares the benefit of being quick to prepare.

One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta

This creamy Alfredo sauce over pasta is not only easy to make but also packed with comfort. The rich flavors of this dish will be sure to become a favorite for your family.

• 1 lb. elbow macaroni or penne pasta
• 3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsp. butter, melted
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. salt (optional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Cooking time: 35 minutes; Servings: 4-6 people.

Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for another minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce. Add salt and red pepper flakes if desired. Toss hot pasta with Alfredo sauce and Parmesan cheese. Serve garnished with fresh herbs.

One-Pot Veggie Pesto Pasta

This dish combines the freshness of vegetables with the vibrant flavors of pesto to create a colorful, nutritious meal that is both delicious and easy to prepare. This recipe can be easily adapted based on your vegetable preferences and what you have in your kitchen.

• 1 lb. fusilli pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup cooked spinach or kale
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted (optional garnish)
• 1/4 tsp. salt or to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup pesto sauce

Cooking time: 30 minutes; Servings: 4-6 people.

In a large pot, cook pasta until al dente. While the pasta is boiling, sauté garlic and cherry tomatoes with salt and red pepper flakes if desired. Drain the hot pasta but reserve some water. Toss it into the pan along with pesto sauce, spinach or kale, and tomato mixture.

Top off the dish with toasted pine nuts for a nutty texture. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh veggie pasta.

One-Pot Meatballs with Tomato Sauce

This hearty one-pot dish is perfect for colder days when you want to stay warm and cozy. The meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, while the tomato sauce adds a burst of freshness and tangy sweetness.

• 1 lb. lean ground beef (80/20)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. salt or to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tbsp. olive oil

Cooking time: 50 minutes; Servings: 4-6 people.

Mix ground beef with finely chopped onion, bread crumbs, egg, salt to taste and red pepper flakes if desired until well incorporated. Form into small meatballs about the size of a golf ball. Heat olive oil in your pot over medium heat then add garlic cloves for flavor and sauté for 1 minute. Add the meatballs one at a time ensuring they do not stick together. Cook for approximately 5 minutes before flipping.

Once all the meatballs are browned, add the tomato sauce. Cover the pot and simmer gently until the meatballs are completely cooked through (about 20-30 minutes). Serve hot over cooked pasta.

Tips & Tricks

• Use a fine strainer to keep your sauce creamy by not letting too much pasta water get into the dish while cooking.
• Serving with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread will elevate the meal and offer another layer of deliciousness.
• For extra flavor, add some fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to any one of these recipes.

Eating well does not always have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. These one-pot pasta recipes are simple, satisfying and a perfect choice for busy weeknights.