Cozy One Pot Spaghetti Dinner
The Cozy One Pot Spaghetti Dinner is a warm, simple, and flavorful weeknight meal that combines rich tomato sauce, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and aromatic seasonings—all cooked together in a single pot for easy preparation and cleanup. Customizable with proteins, veggies, and spices, it’s a comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for busy evenings.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Can be gluten free (using gluten-free pasta and broth)
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti (regular or whole wheat, broken in half)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Step 1: Sauté Aromatics – Begin by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring frequently until soft and fragrant—this foundational step creates a delicious flavor base for your sauce.
- Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth – Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring gently to combine. The broth ensures the spaghetti will cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors as it simmers.
- Step 3: Season the Sauce – Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. This seasoning blend enhances the tomato richness and gives a classic Italian flavor that makes this Cozy One Pot Spaghetti Dinner irresistibly comforting.
- Step 4: Cook the Spaghetti – Break the spaghetti noodles in half to fit into the pot, submerging them in the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is tender, about 12-15 minutes.
- Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Serve – When the spaghetti is perfectly cooked and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan. This step adds richness and a touch of creaminess to the dish. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic: It makes a world of difference for authentic flavor in your sauce.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot: Give enough room for pasta to cook evenly and avoid clumping.
- Stir regularly: Prevents pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensures even cooking.
- Reserve pasta water: Saving a little cooking liquid can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Adjust seasoning last: After the pasta has cooked, taste and tweak salt and spices if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: one pot, spaghetti dinner, easy pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, family meal, Italian, gluten free, vegetarian option