One-Pot Pasta Dinner in 30 Minutes
This One-Pot Pasta Dinner is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights—hearty, flavorful, and made with minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in a single pot, allowing the pasta to soak up the savory flavors from the sauce, veggies, and protein. Dinner is ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients List
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work best)
1 cup baby spinach (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour in broth and add uncooked pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
Stir in spinach (if using) and Parmesan. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot with extra cheese if desired.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings
Makes 4 servings
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 470
Carbs: 40g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 22g
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth
Freezes well for up to 2 months
Pairings/Suggestions
Serve with garlic bread or a simple salad
Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies
Use ground turkey or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian version
Seasonal Relevance
Great for fall and winter but perfect any time you need a quick, hearty meal
Ideal for meal prepping or casual family dinners
Conclusion
This one-pot pasta dinner delivers full flavor with less mess. From busy weeknights to lazy weekends, it’s a comforting go-to recipe that’s endlessly adaptable and always satisfying.
One-Pot Pasta Dinner in 30 Minutes
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes470
kcalA simple one-pot pasta recipe made with ground meat, tomatoes, and cheese—quick, comforting, and cleanup-friendly.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work best)
1 cup baby spinach (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in broth and add uncooked pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Stir in spinach (if using) and Parmesan. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot with extra cheese if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking
Use whole wheat pasta for a fiber boost
Grated mozzarella can be added for extra creaminess
FAQs
Q1: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes—just adjust the cook time based on the pasta type.
Q2: What if my sauce gets too thick?
Add a little extra broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q3: Can I make it ahead?
Yes—store in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
