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24 One-Pot Pasta Meals That Practically Cook Themselves

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Tired after a long day but still craving something delicious? One-pot pasta meals are the answer!

They’re fast, flavorful, and save you from a mountain of dirty dishes. These 24 easy recipes practically cook themselves — just toss the ingredients in, stir a few times, and let the magic happen.

Whether you love creamy, cheesy, or veggie-packed dishes, you’ll find something comforting and crave-worthy right here. Let’s dive into dinner without the fuss!

1. One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Homemade One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta Parsley Side View Close — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with garlic flavor — comfort food at its simplest.

Recipe:
In a pot, sauté 4 minced garlic cloves in 2 tbsp butter. Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup milk, and 8 oz spaghetti. Cook, stirring, for 10 minutes. Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan. Season with pepper. Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

2. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

One Pan Pasta Basil Vegan Pasta Selective Focus Macro Appetizing — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Fresh tomatoes and basil cook right with the pasta, creating a light, bright sauce.

Recipe:
Combine 8 oz pasta, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 2 cloves garlic, 3 cups water, and salt in a pot. Simmer until pasta is tender. Stir in a handful of basil and drizzle with olive oil. Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

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3. One-Pot Taco Pasta

Homemade Taco Beef Pasta Black Bowl Mexican Food — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

All the flavors of taco night — but in a cheesy pasta form!

Recipe:
Brown 1 lb ground beef with taco seasoning. Add 8 oz pasta, 2 cups beef broth, and 1 cup salsa. Simmer until pasta is cooked. Stir in shredded cheese before serving. Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

4. One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Close Fettuccine Pasta Creamy Chanterelle Mushroom Sauce Garnished Green Onions — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Earthy mushrooms meet rich cream for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Recipe:
Sauté 8 oz sliced mushrooms in 2 tbsp butter. Add 8 oz pasta, 2½ cups vegetable broth, and 1 cup cream. Simmer, stirring, until pasta is cooked and sauce thickens. Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

5. One-Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta

Creamy Italian Pesto Penne Pasta Grilled Chicken — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Bright, herby pesto makes this dish sing with flavor.

Recipe:
Cook 1 lb diced chicken until browned. Add 8 oz pasta, 2½ cups broth, and simmer. Stir in ½ cup pesto once pasta is tender. Top with Parmesan and serve hot. Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

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6. One-Pot Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti Pasta Bolognese Marinara Tomato Sauce Cheese Baked Pan — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

All the goodness of baked ziti — no baking dish required!

Recipe:
Brown 1 lb sausage in a large pot. Stir in 2 cups marinara, 8 oz ziti, and 3 cups water. Simmer until pasta is tender. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella. Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 20 minutes.

7. One-Pot Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Linguine Pasta Italian Sausage Chickpeas Kale Creamy Ricotta Cheese Sauce — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Light, creamy, and lemony — perfect for spring evenings.

Recipe:
Cook 8 oz pasta in 3 cups water with salt. Drain most water, leaving a little behind. Stir in 1 cup ricotta, lemon zest, and juice. Season and serve immediately. Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 12 minutes.

8. One-Pot Shrimp Alfredo

Plate Delicious Shrimp Alfredo Garlic Cream Sauce Pasta — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Creamy Alfredo sauce and juicy shrimp combine for a fast, fancy dinner.

Recipe:
Cook 8 oz fettuccine with 3 cups broth. When almost done, stir in 1 lb shrimp, ½ cup cream, and Parmesan. Cook until shrimp are pink. Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

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9. One-Pot Broccoli Cheddar Pasta

Pasta Baked Broccoli Chicken Broccoli Cheese Gratin Sauce Baked Penne — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Cheesy, veggie-packed, and ready in no time!

Recipe:
Add 8 oz pasta, 2½ cups broth, and 2 cups chopped broccoli to a pot. Cook until pasta is tender. Stir in 1½ cups shredded cheddar until melted. Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

10. One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Homemade Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta White Plate Black Background Side — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Creamy pasta loaded with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken.

Recipe:
Brown 1 lb chicken. Add 8 oz pasta, 2½ cups broth, and ½ cup cream. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach before serving. Top with Parmesan. Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 20 minutes.

11. One-Pot Vegan Tomato Pasta

Homemade Tomato Pesto Pasta Cheese Basil Bowl Top View Flat — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Simple, plant-based, and bursting with fresh flavor.

Recipe:
Cook 8 oz pasta, 2 cups chopped tomatoes, 1 onion, and 3 cups water together. Stir occasionally until pasta is tender. Finish with basil and olive oil. Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

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12. One-Pot Creamy Sausage Pasta

Sausage Pasta Alfredo — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Savory sausage and creamy sauce make the ultimate cozy dinner.

Recipe:
Cook 1 lb Italian sausage in a pot. Add 8 oz pasta, 2½ cups broth, and ½ cup cream. Simmer until pasta is done. Stir in Parmesan to finish. Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

13. One-Pot Greek Pasta

Comfort Food Pasta Kritharaki Orzo Spicy Tomato Sauce Feta Garlic — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Briny olives, juicy tomatoes, and feta — pure Mediterranean goodness.

Recipe:
Cook 8 oz pasta with 2½ cups broth. Stir in sliced olives, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta. Finish with oregano and olive oil. Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

14. One-Pot Chili Mac

Homemade Chili Mac and Cheese with Parsley in a white bowl over — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Spicy, hearty, and kid-approved!

Recipe:
Brown 1 lb ground beef. Add 8 oz pasta, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 can beans, and 2 cups broth. Simmer until pasta is cooked. Top with cheese before serving. Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

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15. One-Pot Spinach Artichoke Pasta

Spinach artichoke pasta with cheese — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

All the creamy dip flavors you love — in pasta form.

Recipe:
Cook 8 oz pasta with 2½ cups broth. Stir in chopped spinach, artichoke hearts, and ½ cup cream cheese. Heat until creamy and serve. Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

16. One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Frying Pan Tasty Cajun Chicken Pasta Grunge Background — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Bold, spicy, and satisfying — a one-pot wonder with kick!

Recipe:
Season chicken with Cajun spice. Cook until browned. Add 8 oz pasta, 2½ cups broth, and simmer. Stir in cream and Parmesan to finish. Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 20 minutes.

17. One-Pot Ratatouille Pasta

Campanelle Pasta Vegetable Ratatouille Dish — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Packed with colorful veggies, this pasta is pure sunshine in a bowl.

Recipe:
Cook 8 oz pasta with 1 zucchini, 1 bell pepper, 1 cup diced tomatoes, and 3 cups broth. Stir occasionally until tender. Finish with basil. Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

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18. One-Pot Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Classic, creamy mac made in just one pot — no draining needed!

Recipe:
Cook 8 oz elbow macaroni in 2½ cups milk, stirring often. Once tender, stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar until melted. Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

19. One-Pot Seafood Pasta

Dish Linguine Allo Scoglio Typical Italian Pasta Mixed Seafood — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

A mix of shrimp, mussels, and clams in a garlicky tomato broth.

Recipe:
Sauté garlic in olive oil. Add 8 oz pasta, 2 cups broth, and canned tomatoes. Halfway through, add seafood. Cover and cook until pasta and seafood are done. Prep time: 10 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

20. One-Pot Pumpkin Alfredo

Pasta Spaghetti Pumpkin Bacon Pasta Carbonara Seasonal Autumn Food Wooden — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Creamy, slightly sweet, and perfect for cozy fall nights.

Recipe:
Cook 8 oz fettuccine in 2½ cups broth. Stir in 1 cup canned pumpkin and ½ cup cream. Finish with Parmesan and nutmeg. Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

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21. One-Pot Pea and Prosciutto Pasta

Plate Delicious Pasta Spring Peas Prosciutto Italian Food — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Salty prosciutto and sweet peas make a beautiful flavor combo.

Recipe:
Cook 8 oz pasta in 3 cups broth. When almost done, stir in 1 cup peas and chopped prosciutto. Finish with lemon zest and Parmesan. Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

22. One-Pot Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta

Italian Penne Rigate Pasta Sugo All Arrabbiata Sauce Meatballs Garnished — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

For heat lovers — a spicy tomato sauce cooks right with the pasta.

Recipe:
Cook 8 oz pasta with 2 cups marinara, 2 cups water, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until tender. Top with fresh parsley. Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

23. One-Pot Caprese Pasta

Pasta Salad Fusilli Pasta Caprese Salad Tomato Mozzarella Basil — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Tomatoes, basil, and melty mozzarella — pure Italian flavor.

Recipe:
Cook 8 oz pasta with 2 cups cherry tomatoes and 2½ cups water. Stir in mozzarella pearls and basil just before serving. Drizzle with olive oil. Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

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24. One-Pot Lemon Asparagus Pasta

Pasta with asparagus and green peas — Stock Photo, Image
Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Fresh, tangy, and loaded with spring veggies — dinner on the bright side!

Recipe:
Cook 8 oz pasta with 2½ cups broth. Add chopped asparagus during last 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and Parmesan before serving. Prep time: 5 minutes, Cook time: 15 minutes.

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