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Make dinner simple with this creamy One Pot Pasta recipe! A quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight meal made in a single pot — minimal effort, maximum taste.
Introduction to One Pot Pasta
If you’re looking for a delicious dinner that saves time and minimizes dishes, you’re in the right place! One Pot Pasta is the ultimate comfort food solution — creamy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes.
This recipe combines tender pasta, rich sauce, and fresh ingredients all cooked together in one pot. The result? A hearty, creamy dish that tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen for hours — but takes just a fraction of the time.
Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even cozy weekends at home, this one pot pasta will quickly become your go-to meal when you need something easy, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to make your creamy one pot pasta:
Base Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
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1 cup milk or heavy cream
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8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine)
Add-Ins
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup spinach or kale (optional)
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1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms
Seasonings & Finish
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried basil
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Tip: You can use any pasta you have on hand — short pastas like penne and rigatoni hold sauce beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and golden.
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Add liquid and pasta: Pour in broth and milk, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir well to prevent sticking.
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Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir occasionally as the pasta cooks, absorbing the liquid and releasing starch for a creamy texture (about 12–15 minutes).
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Add extras: Stir in cherry tomatoes, spinach, and cooked protein (if using). Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes until everything is heated through.
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Finish with flavor: Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta perfectly.
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Serve and enjoy: Garnish with parsley and extra cheese before serving hot.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy one pot pasta is delicious on its own or paired with:
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Garlic bread or crusty baguette
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A simple side salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted vegetables
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A glass of white wine for an elegant touch
It’s the perfect dish to serve for date night, family dinner, or a cozy night in.
Tips & Variations
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Extra Creamy: Add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
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Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
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Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and double up on veggies.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta — just watch the cooking time as it may vary.
Storage & Reheating Tips
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Add a splash of milk or broth and reheat gently on the stove or microwave until creamy again.
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Freeze: Not recommended — the sauce can separate when frozen.
FAQ
Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes! Short pasta shapes work best, but any variety will do. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely — use olive oil and dairy-free milk like oat or almond.
Why is my pasta sticking?
Keep stirring occasionally during cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid to cover the pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy One Pot Pasta Recipe is proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. It’s quick, creamy, and bursting with flavor — the perfect solution for weeknights when you want something satisfying without all the cleanup.
Make it once, and it’ll quickly become a regular in your kitchen rotation. Comfort food, simplified — that’s what one pot cooking is all about. 🍝✨
