This One-Pot Pasta recipe is the ultimate budget-friendly meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. It requires minimal ingredients, minimal cleanup, and delivers maximum flavor — perfect for busy nights or when you’re cooking on a tight budget.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Affordable ingredients: You likely already have most items in your pantry.
Quick & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with one pot to clean.
Customizable: Add whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand.
Comforting & delicious: Creamy, savory, and satisfying.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz spaghetti (or any pasta)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
3 cups vegetable broth (or water)
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

directions

Prepare the ingredients: Mince the garlic, slice the onion, and gather your spices.
Combine in a pot: In a large pot, add the pasta, diced tomatoes (with juice), onion, garlic, broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Cook the pasta: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed (about 15 minutes).
Finish & serve: Remove from heat, drizzle with olive oil, and toss. Top with Parmesan and parsley if desired. Serve hot!

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, canned tuna, or cooked beans.
Veggie add-ins: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Creamy twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth until warmed through.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the pasta may become mushy upon thawing.

FAQs

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes! Use about 4-5 chopped fresh tomatoes, but you may need to add extra broth or water.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Spaghetti works great, but penne, fusilli, or linguine are excellent options too.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Can I add cheese to make it richer?

Yes! Mozzarella, cheddar, or even cream cheese can make it extra creamy.

Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function for the garlic and onions, then pressure cook for 6 minutes.

Is it okay to use water instead of broth?

Yes, but broth adds more flavor. You can add a pinch of extra salt or a bouillon cube.

How can I make this dish more filling?

Add cooked sausage, rotisserie chicken, or roasted veggies.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a larger pot and extend the cooking time by 5-7 minutes.

Conclusion

This Cheap and Easy One-Pot Pasta is a lifesaver for quick weeknight meals or when you’re stretching your grocery budget. With endless variations and minimal cleanup, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try, and let me know your favorite twists and additions!