Dinner in a hurry doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavor — this One-Pot Pasta in 20 Minutes is proof. Imagine tender pasta simmered directly in a rich, savory sauce that thickens naturally as it cooks — no separate pots, no draining, no fuss. It’s creamy, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly satisfying, all while using just one pan and a handful of simple ingredients. I made this dish one busy evening when time was tight, and it instantly became a weeknight staple. The pasta soaks up every bit of flavor from the sauce, and the result is comforting, hearty, and ready before you can even set the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-pot pasta is fast, flavorful, and ideal for weeknights. With minimal prep and cleanup, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table in 20 minutes. It’s also endlessly customizable — add veggies, change up the protein, or keep it simple and vegetarian.
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One-Pot Pasta in 20 Minutes – Quick, Creamy, and Fuss-Free
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Pasta is a quick and easy 20-minute meal that’s creamy, flavorful, and made with minimal cleanup. Everything — pasta, sauce, and vegetables — cooks together in a single pot for a delicious, satisfying dinner on busy nights.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or linguine
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups (720ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion; sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes, broth, cream, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Place the uncooked pasta directly into the pot, ensuring it’s mostly submerged in liquid.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has reduced into a creamy sauce.
- Stir in spinach (if using) and Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes silky.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and remove from heat.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For added protein, mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage before serving.
- Use any pasta type, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- To make it dairy-free, replace cream with coconut milk and skip the cheese.
- This dish thickens as it sits, so add a splash of broth or milk to loosen leftovers when reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pasta – Use your favorite type such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Short pasta shapes cook more evenly in one-pot recipes.
Olive oil – Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics.
Garlic – Provides a deep, aromatic base flavor that perfumes the whole dish.
Onion – Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce – Create the perfect base for a light yet flavorful sauce.
Chicken or vegetable broth – Cooks the pasta and infuses every bite with flavor while forming a naturally thickened sauce.
Heavy cream (optional) – For an extra touch of creaminess and luxurious texture.
Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty flavor.
Salt and black pepper – Season the dish perfectly to enhance all the ingredients.
Italian seasoning or dried herbs – Bring out that classic Mediterranean aroma with oregano, basil, and thyme.
Fresh spinach or cherry tomatoes (optional) – Add color, freshness, and extra nutrition.
Fresh parsley or basil – A bright finishing touch that elevates the dish before serving.
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wide pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, then add the pasta directly into the liquid. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Stir to ensure the pasta is evenly submerged.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb most of the liquid as it cooks.
Once the pasta is tender, stir in the heavy cream (if using) and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Add spinach or cherry tomatoes if desired and cook for 1–2 more minutes, just until the greens wilt and the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time: 5 minutes. Cook time: 15 minutes. Total time: 20 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream and warm over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes. This dish is best served fresh, but reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Chicken One-Pot Pasta – Add cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
Shrimp Pasta – Stir in shrimp during the last 3 minutes of cooking for a seafood twist.
Vegetarian Delight – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty veggie version.
Spicy Tomato Pasta – Add red pepper flakes or chili oil for a fiery kick.
Cheesy Upgrade – Stir in shredded mozzarella or provolone for a gooey, melty sauce.
Pesto Pasta – Add a spoonful of basil pesto before serving for a fresh herbal twist.
Lemon Garlic Pasta – Add lemon zest and juice for a bright, tangy variation.
Creamy Tuscan Style – Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a Mediterranean touch.
Vegan Option – Use vegetable broth and omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Bacon Lover’s Pasta – Stir in crispy bacon bits for smoky flavor and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, though shorter shapes like penne or rotini work best for even cooking.
Do I need to cook the pasta separately?
No — that’s the beauty of this recipe! Everything cooks together in one pot.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, skip the cream and cheese or use dairy-free alternatives.
Why did my pasta stick to the pan?
Stir occasionally and make sure there’s enough liquid to cover the pasta while cooking.
Can I use canned diced tomatoes?
Yes, just blend them slightly if you prefer a smoother sauce.
How do I make it thicker?
Let it simmer uncovered a few minutes longer or add more cheese.
Can I add meat?
Definitely — cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef work perfectly.
How do I make it lighter?
Use milk instead of cream and reduce cheese by half.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pan and increase the liquid slightly.
How do I prevent overcooking the pasta?
Start checking for doneness after 9 minutes and remove from heat once tender.
Conclusion
One-Pot Pasta in 20 Minutes is the ultimate solution for busy nights when you need something quick, hearty, and delicious. With minimal ingredients and just one pan, you can create a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that tastes like it took hours to make. It’s versatile, satisfying, and guaranteed to become one of your weeknight staples — the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
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