12 One Pot Pasta Dinners for Nights You Don’t Want a Sink Full of Dishes

Who says great meals need to come with a pile of dishes? One-pot pasta dinners are the answer when you’re craving comfort food without the cleanup. These dishes are quick to prepare, full of flavor, and require minimal effort. So, if you’re looking for a hassle-free dinner, these one-pot pasta recipes are a great way to go.

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Creamy Spinach and Feta Pasta

This dish combines the richness of creamy cheese with fresh spinach, making it an ideal one-pot wonder. It’s best served with a crisp side salad to balance out the creamy texture. The spinach adds a pop of color, while the feta cheese gives it a tangy finish. It’s an easy, flavorful dinner that comes together in just one pot, reducing your cleaning time.

You will need 12 oz of pasta, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 4 oz of crumbled feta cheese, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Heat the olive oil in a large pot, add the pasta, vegetable broth, and heavy cream, and bring to a simmer. Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta is tender. Once done, add spinach and feta, and stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts. Serve hot and enjoy!

Garlic and Parmesan Pasta

A classic pasta dish that is both simple and delicious. The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan makes it rich, yet light enough for any occasion. It’s perfect when you’re craving something comforting but not too heavy. This dish is best served with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for added protein and texture.

Use 12 oz of spaghetti, 4 cloves of garlic (minced), 2 tbsp of butter, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, and 2 cups of chicken broth. In a pot, melt the butter and saute the garlic until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and pasta, and cook until the pasta is al dente. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce. Serve immediately.

Taco Pasta

A flavorful twist on tacos, this dish brings the zesty flavors of taco seasoning into a hearty pasta meal. It’s perfect for taco night, but without the need for multiple dishes. The bold flavors pair wonderfully with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro. This is a great dinner option when you want something satisfying and quick.

For this dish, use 12 oz of rotini pasta, 1 lb of ground beef, 1 packet of taco seasoning, 1 can of diced tomatoes, and 2 cups of beef broth. Brown the ground beef in a large pot, then add the taco seasoning and tomatoes. Add the pasta and beef broth, bring to a boil, and simmer until the pasta is tender. Stir in a bit of cheese and garnish with sour cream and cilantro.

Chicken Alfredo

A creamy, indulgent dish that combines juicy chicken with a rich Alfredo sauce. This dish is simple, yet feels like a treat, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. Serve it with some garlic bread for a complete meal. The pasta is coated in a creamy sauce, and the chicken adds a satisfying protein element.

You will need 2 chicken breasts, 12 oz of pasta, 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, and 2 cups of chicken broth. Saute the chicken breasts in a pot until fully cooked, then slice them. Add the chicken broth and pasta to the pot and cook until the pasta is al dente. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan, letting it thicken into a creamy sauce. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley.

Tomato Basil Pasta

This dish brings together the simplicity of ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and pasta for a fresh, flavorful meal. It’s light yet filling, making it perfect for warmer nights. The flavors are vibrant and can be easily adjusted with extra garlic or red pepper flakes. Serve with a side of garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

For this recipe, you’ll need 12 oz of pasta, 2 cups of diced tomatoes, 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1 cup of fresh basil, and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Heat the olive oil in a large pot and saute the tomatoes. Add the pasta and vegetable broth, and cook until the pasta absorbs the flavors. Stir in fresh basil and serve with grated Parmesan on top.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

The earthy flavors of mushrooms combined with a creamy sauce create a comforting dish. It’s perfect for those who love mushrooms and creamy pasta dishes. This is best served with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish. The mushrooms add texture, while the creaminess makes it indulgent without being too heavy.

You will need 12 oz of pasta, 2 cups of sliced mushrooms, 2 tbsp of butter, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Saute the mushrooms in butter until soft, then add the vegetable broth and pasta. Bring to a boil, and cook until the pasta is tender. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until the sauce thickens. Serve hot with parsley.

Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This dish is fresh and vibrant, with a burst of lemon and the savory taste of shrimp. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a light yet flavorful dinner. The shrimp and garlic complement each other beautifully, making this a dish full of delicious, zesty flavor. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

For this recipe, you will need 12 oz of linguine, 1 lb of shrimp, 4 cloves of garlic, 1 lemon (juiced), and 2 cups of chicken broth. Saute the garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add the shrimp and cook until pink. Add the pasta and chicken broth, and cook until the pasta absorbs the flavors. Stir in lemon juice and serve with a sprinkle of parsley.

Pesto Pasta with Chicken

This dish is loaded with the fresh flavors of basil and garlic from the pesto, making it both savory and satisfying. The addition of chicken makes it a complete meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s best served with a simple side salad to cut through the richness of the pesto. The pesto ties everything together, coating the pasta in a fragrant, delicious sauce.

You will need 2 chicken breasts, 12 oz of pasta, one-half cup of pesto, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Cook the chicken breasts and slice them thinly. Add the chicken broth and pasta to a large pot and cook until the pasta is al dente. Stir in the pesto and chicken, and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Creamy Tomato Pasta

This one-pot dinner combines the tanginess of tomatoes with a creamy sauce, creating a rich and hearty dish. It’s simple to make and full of flavor, perfect for any night of the week. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a Caesar salad. The creamy tomato sauce coats the pasta, making it comforting and satisfying.

For this, use 12 oz of penne pasta, 2 cups of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 tbsp of olive oil, and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Heat the olive oil and saute the tomatoes. Add the vegetable broth and pasta, and cook until the pasta is tender. Stir in the heavy cream and cook until the sauce thickens. Serve with fresh basil and Parmesan.

Beef Stroganoff

A comforting dish that’s creamy and full of beefy goodness, this one-pot pasta is perfect for a filling meal. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with the beef and pasta, making it a satisfying dinner. It’s great when served with a light salad or some steamed green beans on the side. The rich sauce and tender beef will fill you up without the hassle of too many dishes.

Use 12 oz of egg noodles, 1 lb of sliced thin beef, 1 cup of sour cream, one-half cup of beef broth, and 1 chopped onion. Saute the beef and onions in a large pot until the beef is browned. Add the beef broth and noodles, and cook until the noodles are tender. Stir in the sour cream and cook until the sauce thickens. Serve hot.

Baked Ziti

This dish is hearty and filling, combining ziti pasta with a rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s perfect for those days when you need something comforting but don’t want to spend time cleaning up. The cheese creates a gooey layer over the pasta, making each bite deliciously satisfying. Serve it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

For this, you’ll need 12 oz of ziti, 2 cups of marinara sauce, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 2 cups of water. Add the marinara sauce, ricotta, and water to a large pot, then stir in the ziti. Bring to a boil and simmer until the pasta is tender. Stir in the mozzarella and cook until it melts into the sauce. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Veggie Pasta

This dish is a great way to pack in a variety of vegetables, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. The pasta cooks with the vegetables, making it flavorful and easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a light dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The dish pairs well with a light vinaigrette salad or some roasted garlic bread.

You’ll need 12 oz of pasta, 2 cups of mixed vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach), 2 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Saute the vegetables in olive oil until tender. Add the vegetable broth and pasta, and cook until the pasta is al dente. Stir in some Parmesan cheese and serve.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.