Easy One Pot Pastas
Make One Pot Pastas at home in 35 minutes with tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and fresh greens cooked together effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 cups fresh spinach or baby kale
- ½ cup heavy cream or reserved pasta water
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large, wide 12-inch pot over medium-high heat.
- 2
Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- 4
Add the ground meat to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned throughout and no pink remains.
- 5
Pour in the dried pasta and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast the pasta in the oil, which deepens its nutty flavor.
- 6
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring well to combine and ensure the pasta is evenly submerged.
- 7
Add the red pepper flakes and dried oregano, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- 8
Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- 9
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes more until the greens are wilted.
- 10
Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the heavy cream or pasta water.
- 11
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and fold gently until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
- 12
Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to your taste, adjusting as needed.
- 13
Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately in bowls, drizzling with additional olive oil if desired.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ground beef | ground turkey or chicken breast | Leaner protein option that reduces saturated fat and overall calories while maintaining savory flavor |
| heavy cream | reserved pasta water or low-fat Greek yogurt | Reduces saturated fat and calories; pasta water adds starch for natural creaminess, yogurt adds tangy richness and probiotics |
| beef or chicken broth | low-sodium or homemade vegetable broth | Significantly reduces sodium intake and supports heart health while maintaining deep savory notes |
| canned crushed tomatoes | fresh tomatoes (about 6 medium, chopped) plus tomato paste (2 tablespoons) | Fresh tomatoes provide more vitamins, minerals, and live enzymes; reduces sodium and added sugars often found in canned products |
| full-fat Parmesan cheese | reduced-fat Parmesan or nutritional yeast | Nutritional yeast provides umami and B vitamins with minimal fat; reduced-fat Parmesan maintains cheese flavor with less saturated fat |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 578 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 52mg |
| Sodium | 742mg |
| Carbohydrates | 68g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Protein | 34g |
Nutrition Comparison
| Classic | Metabolic Health | Healthier | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 578 | 485 | 485 |
| Protein | 34g | 38g | 38g |
| Carbs | 68g | 28g | 52g |
| Fat | 18g | 22g | 14g |
| Fiber | 7g | 8g | 8g |
| Sugar | 4g | - | - |
| Health Scores | |||
| Gut Health | 7/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Anti-Inflammatory | 8/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Blood Sugar | 6/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
