When it comes to cozy, soul-satisfying meals that are quick to whip up and even easier to clean up, this Easy One-Pot Spaghetti recipe checks all the boxes. It delivers the rich, hearty flavor of traditional Italian spaghetti recipes without the need to dirty every pot and pan in your kitchen. Everything—pasta, sauce, and seasonings—is cooked in one large pot, making this a no-fuss weeknight hero. Whether you're feeding picky kids, carb-loving friends, or just need something warm and filling after a long day, this dish has your back.
One-Pot Spaghetti Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven This is essential for even cooking and enough space for your noodles to expand. A 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven is ideal.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula For breaking up meat and stirring the sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons Precision helps with seasoning and liquids.
Alternatives If you don’t have a Dutch oven, any large non-stick deep skillet or sauté pan with a lid will work. In a pinch, you could also use a stockpot.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage or a mix of both
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 jar 24 oz of your favorite marinara sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth can substitute water with bouillon
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles broken in half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for topping
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish optional
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
In your large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and the onions become translucent. This step builds the base flavor for your sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef or sausage to the pot. Use your wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, though a little helps add flavor.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Broth
Pour in the entire jar of marinara sauce, followed by the broth. Stir everything together to combine.
Step 4: Add Pasta
Add the spaghetti noodles directly into the pot, making sure to submerge them as much as possible. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 5: Simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking and to ensure even cooking. If the liquid reduces too much before the pasta is fully cooked, add a splash more broth or water.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the spaghetti noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan. This will help thicken the sauce slightly and add a lovely cheesy depth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Pairings
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various sides:
- Garlic Bread: Toasty, buttery garlic bread complements the saucy noodles perfectly.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp romaine salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Veggies: Try oven-roasted zucchini or bell peppers on the side.
- Red Wine: A medium-bodied Chianti or Merlot makes for a perfect dinner pairing.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon: If you want something refreshing and non-alcoholic.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely. This recipe works well with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. For more flavor, Italian sausage is a standout choice.
2. What kind of spaghetti noodles should I use?
Traditional dry spaghetti noodles work best here. They hold up well and absorb flavor as they cook. Whole wheat spaghetti is also a great option if you're aiming for a healthier spin.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the meat and bulk up the sauce with chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
5. Can I use jar sauce for this recipe?
Definitely. This Easy One Pot Spaghetti with jar sauce is designed to be as convenient as possible. Just make sure you use a marinara or tomato basil sauce you enjoy.
