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One Pot Spaghetti Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook

Name: One Pot Spaghetti Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing; 1 small white onion, finely diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 1 jar tomato-basil pasta sauce; 2 cups water; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; 1 package spaghetti noodles, broken in half; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a subtle heat; 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Kelly Blackford December 23, 2024

Servings: 4 Total Time: 40 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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When I think of comfort food, a steaming bowl of spaghetti pops into my mind. But let’s face it, sometimes the thought of cleaning multiple pots and pans makes me want to run for the hills.

Enter the magical world of One-Pot Spaghetti. This dish simplifies life and brings joy to our taste buds. So, buckle up. I’m taking you on a flavorful journey that combines convenience and scrumptiousness.

What is One-Pot Spaghetti?

One-Pot Spaghetti is exactly what it sounds like: a pasta dish cooked in a single pot. No separate bowls for sauces and a mess of mixing. Instead, all the ingredients come together, creating a harmonious dish that bursts with flavor.

Picture it: pasta, sauce, and seasonings mingle in a cozy pot, simmering together until al dente. Easy peasy, right? And the best part? The flavors intensify as they mingle during cooking!

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Spaghetti

Let’s cut to the chase—this one-pot dish is an absolute winner. First, it’s incredibly time-efficient. You’re not hopping around the kitchen juggling different pots like a circus performer. Instead, just toss everything into one pot, sit back, and let the magic unfold.

Second, clean-up is a breeze. You finish cooking with just one pot to wash. I’ve had nights where I’d rather binge-watch my favorite show than scrub dishes. This dish allows for that guilty pleasure.

Additionally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your tastes. Stick to a classic tomato-basil sauce or switch it up with a spicier sauce for a kick. Every time you make it, it has the potential to be a brand-new dish, without the hassle of starting from scratch.

The Ingredients

Now, let’s talk about ingredients. Grab your shopping list because here’s what you’ll need for this delightful dish:

1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
1 small white onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground Italian sausage (or your protein of choice)
1 (26-ounce) jar tomato-basil pasta sauce
2 cups water
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
1 (8-ounce) package spaghetti noodles, broken in half
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a subtle heat
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

These ingredients create a deeply flavorful dish that warms your soul.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get those pots sizzling! Follow these steps to create your One-Pot Spaghetti.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

First, grab a large pot and add the olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the finely diced onion. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant. Trust me; your kitchen will start smelling divine.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Next, crumble the ground Italian sausage into the pot. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally, breaking it apart as it cooks. We want that lovely brown caramelization, which adds depth to our dish. Once it’s cooked through, drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Water

Now comes the fun part. Pour in the tomato-basil pasta sauce and 2 cups of water. Stir it all together. The mix should look rich and inviting already, but wait, there’s more! Add in the dried Italian herbs and the red pepper flakes for that subtle kick.

Step 4: Toss in the Pasta

Break the spaghetti noodles in half and gently place them into the pot. Make sure they’re mostly submerged in the sauce. Now, raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is where the magic happens, folks!

Step 5: Simmer Away

Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the noodles are al dente and have absorbed most of the sauce. Feel free to check the pasta’s doneness a couple of minutes before the timer goes off.

Step 6: Add Balsamic and Cheese

Once the spaghetti is done, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the balsamic vinegar to add that extra layer of flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, top it off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Go ahead and be generous; this is your dish!

Tips & Tricks

Creating delicious one-pot spaghetti is straightforward, but these tips can elevate your dish even further:

Use Fresh Herbs: Consider adding fresh basil or parsley for garnish. It adds freshness and a pop of color.
Protein Options: Switch the ground sausage for turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Or, for a vegetarian take, substitute it with canned chickpeas.
Cooking Techniques: If you prefer al dente pasta, be sure to check it a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
Heat Levels: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance. A pinch more can pack a punch!
Meal Prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge. Prepare it ahead of time and heat it up when hunger strikes.

Nutrition Information

For those conscious about health, here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per serving:

Calories: 450
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 3g

Adjust the recipe based on your dietary preferences. You can opt for whole-grain spaghetti or zoodles to make it lighter.

Can I Store One-Pot Spaghetti?

Absolutely! Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Add a splash of water or some extra sauce if it seems dry after storage.

What Can I Serve With One-Pot Spaghetti?

Pair this delightful dish with:

Garlic Bread: Nothing beats the classic combination of pasta and garlic bread.
Caesar Salad: Crisp greens balance nicely with the rich spaghetti flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Think zucchini and bell peppers drizzled with olive oil.
Italian Sausages: Grilled sausages on the side can complement the dish.
Wine: A glass of red wine can elevate your dining experience.

Variations

Not into this exact recipe? No worries—here are five fun variations to spice things up:

Mushroom Alfredo: Swap the tomato sauce for a creamy Alfredo sauce. Toss in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
Vegetable Medley: Add in bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach for a veggie-packed meal.
Spicy Arrabbiata: Use a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of tomato-basil for an exhilarating kick.
Pesto Delight: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto during the last few minutes of cooking for a fragrant twist.
Seafood Fusion: Mix in shrimp or scallops right before you finish cooking. Seafood cooks quickly and complements pasta beautifully.

Conclusion

One-Pot Spaghetti has truly revolutionized my kitchen experience. It stands as proof that you don’t need loads of pots and pans to whip up something absolutely delicious. Through this dish, I discovered the beauty of simplicity fused with the explosion of flavors.

With the right ingredients, a dash of creativity, and minimal cleanup, you can enjoy delightful meals any day of the week. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to please. So, roll up your sleeves and give it a try. Who knows, it might just become your go-to recipe as it did for me. Happy cooking!

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Print Recipe

One Pot Spaghetti Recipe – Easy Meals To Cook

Author: Kelly Blackford Cuisine: American Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 40 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 450 kcal

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

When I think of comfort food, a steaming bowl of spaghetti pops into my mind. But let's face it, sometimes the thought of cleaning multiple pots and pans makes me want to run for the hills.