Easy One Pot Pasta Recipe, Perfect Every Time
This easy and delicious one pot pasta recipe is sure to impress. It doesn’t seem like it would work, but trust me, this recipe produces the perfect pasta every time. Coated in a rich, starchy, creamy sauce with incredible flavor, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make on busy weeknights when time is tight, but you still crave a home-cooked meal. Plus, it can easily be adapted to the ingredients you have on hand.
The beauty of one-pot meals like this is the simplicity. You toss everything into a large pan or Dutch oven and let the magic happen. The cooking time is quick, resulting in perfectly cooked, flavorful pasta without the hassle of boiling water separately or dirtying multiple pans. I love using spaghetti noodles in this dish, but feel free to substitute any pasta you like as long as you adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the One Pot Pasta
- Spaghetti noodles: About 16 ounces of pasta is perfect for this recipe. Of course, any long pasta, like linguine, works too.
- Cherry tomatoes: These burst as they cook, releasing their juices to create a flavorful sauce.
- Lemon zest: Adds brightness and freshness to the pasta.
- Corn: Fresh off the cob is best, but frozen will do in a pinch.
- Fresh Swiss Chard: A quick wilt at the end makes the dish vibrant and adds a lovely texture. You could also substitute fresh spinach or kale.
- Olive oil: A generous amount helps everything come together in the sauce.
- Water: Plain water, I think, works best, but you could use chicken stock or vegetable broth for a different flavor.
- Butter: Just a couple of tablespoons make the sauce silky.
- Parmesan cheese: A generous sprinkle brings the whole dish together.
- Fresh basil: Optional, but it adds a lovely aroma and flavor.
- Kosher Salt and black pepper: Season to taste.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. In the meantime, in a Dutch oven or a large pot, place the dry spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, corn, lemon zest, olive oil and two teaspoons of salt. Pour in 4 cups of boiling water and cover, returning everything to a boil.
Step 2: Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Depending on the type of pasta you’re using, the pasta cooks to al dente in about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the liquid levels—you want most of it absorbed, leaving just enough to coat the pasta in a creamy sauce.
Step 3: When the pasta is nearly done, and there’s just a little liquid left, toss in the Swiss chard. Stir until it wilts, then finish the dish with two tablespoons of butter, stirring until melted. Season with black pepper and salt to taste, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips for Success
Tip 1: Choose the right pot: A Dutch oven or large pot works best here, allowing the pasta to lay flat and preventing overcrowding. Ensure the pan’s bottom is wide enough to let the pasta cook evenly.
Tip 2: Adjust the cooking time: Check the package of your pasta noodles and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Different types of pasta will need different times to reach al dente perfection.
Tip 3: Customize it: This recipe is easily adaptable. Swap in your favorite greens like kale, or add different veggies such as zucchini or bell peppers. A handful of fresh basil added at the end gives it a fresh finish. Or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add a little heat.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. The pasta will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better the next day! To reheat, pop it in a pan with a splash of water, chicken broth or olive oil over medium heat to loosen the sauce.
Easy One Pot Pasta!
This easy recipe is perfect for those nights when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen but still want a dish that feels like a special treat. Whether it’s your first time trying a one-pot pasta or you’re a seasoned pro, I guarantee this recipe will be a hit with the whole family.
Easy One Pot Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 lemons, zested
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cups fresh corn, removed from the cob
- 1 cup Swiss chard, roughly chopped, stems removed
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- black pepper
- Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. In the meantime, in a Dutch oven or a large pot, place the dry spaghetti, cherry tomatoes, corn, lemon zest, olive oil and 2 teaspoons of salt. Pour in 4 cups of boiling water and cover, returning everything to a boil.
- Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Depending on the type of pasta you’re using, the pasta cooks to al dente in about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on the liquid levels—you want most of it absorbed, leaving just enough to coat the pasta in a creamy sauce.
- When the pasta is nearly done and there’s just a little liquid left, toss in the Swiss chard. Stir until it wilts, then finish the dish with 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring until melted. Season with black pepper and salt to taste, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
