Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to recipe: pot spaghetti! This dish is a lifesaver on those chaotic weeknights when time is tight, but you still want something delicious. I can whip it up in just 25 minutes, and the best part? Everything cooks in one pot! That’s right—no mess, no fuss, just simple, satisfying spaghetti that’s bursting with flavor. I love how the garlic mingles with the cherry tomatoes, creating a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen. Whenever I make this, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for busy days or even a cozy night in. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 cups water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
How to Prepare Pot Spaghetti
Alright, let’s dive into making this glorious pot spaghetti! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar when you’re done. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a large pot and toss in your 12 oz of spaghetti. Then, pour in 4 cups of water. Don’t forget the 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. This is where the magic begins!
- Bring everything to a boil over high heat. You want those bubbles to start dancing! Keep an eye on it, because things can heat up quickly.
- Once boiling, it’s time to add in the flavor! Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Yum, right? This is where your kitchen starts smelling heavenly.
- Now, reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally, so nothing sticks to the bottom. You want your pasta cooked to perfection—al dente is the way to go!
- When your spaghetti is ready, take the pot off the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. This step is the cherry on top, trust me!
- Serve warm and, if you like, garnish with a bit more basil. Enjoy every single bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Only one pot means minimal cleanup, yay!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Deliciously flavorful with garlic and fresh basil.
- Customizable! Add your favorite veggies or protein for variety.
- Perfectly satisfying and comforting, just like a classic Italian meal.
Tips for Success
To make your pot spaghetti truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your taste—add a pinch more salt or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, toss in chopped spinach or bell peppers when you add the garlic and tomatoes. For storage, leftovers can hang out in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it moist. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delightful pot spaghetti: about 350 calories, 10g of fat, 12g of protein, and 54g of carbohydrates. Remember, these figures are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on any extra ingredients you add or changes you make. Enjoy your meal guilt-free!
FAQ Section
If you’re wondering about some common questions regarding pot spaghetti, you’re in the right place! Here are a few that I often hear:
Common Questions About Pot Spaghetti
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini when you add the garlic and tomatoes. It’s a great way to boost the nutrition!
- What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese? If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast is a fabulous substitute. You can also try using pecorino or any cheese you love!
- How do I store leftovers? Just pop your leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to bring back the moisture.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Just swap the spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set.
- What can I serve with pot spaghetti? I love serving it with a simple side salad or some garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your pot spaghetti is super easy! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, give it a gentle reheat on the stovetop over low heat. I like to add a splash of water or a little olive oil to keep it nice and moist—nobody likes dry pasta, right? Just stir occasionally until it’s warmed through, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go in no time. Enjoy your leftovers, they’re just as tasty the next day!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta.
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, you can visit Healthline.
Print
Pot Spaghetti: 5 Simple Steps for a Comforting Meal
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy one-pot spaghetti recipe.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 cups water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine spaghetti, water, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes.
- Reduce heat to medium and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once pasta is cooked, remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and basil.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional basil if desired.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: one-pot spaghetti, quick pasta, easy spaghetti
