Go Back
+ servings
One Pot Pasta

Creamy One Pot Pasta: A Quick Family Favorite

A delightful One Pot Pasta recipe that's creamy, cheesy, and ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use for sautéing onions and garlic.
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Substitute with shallots for a milder taste.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced; increase if you love garlic.
  • 24.5 oz Marinara Sauce Heart of the dish; can swap for homemade.
  • 24 oz Chicken Broth or Water Broth adds flavor; water is a substitute.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Feel free to use fresh herbs.
For the Pasta and Cheese
  • 16 oz Penne Pasta Can replace with other pasta types.
  • 1.5 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Reduces for a lighter dish.
  • 0.5 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese Can skip for a lighter meal.

Equipment

  • large pot or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy One Pot Pasta
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté 1 diced yellow onion for about 4 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in 24.5 ounces of marinara sauce and 24 ounces of chicken broth (or water). Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and stir. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Add 16 ounces of penne pasta and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot halfway and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 0.5 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese until melted.
  6. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute. Serve hot and garnish with extra cheese or herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 18gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Stir frequently to avoid sticking. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and enjoyed as leftovers.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!