12 One-Pot Pasta Recipes for Busy Parents
Dinner time just got easier with these 12 one-pot pasta recipes. They’re perfect for busy parents who want tasty, family-friendly meals. Cooking delicious meals doesn’t have to be hard or take a lot of time.
These easy weeknight meals are great for families who want to cut down on kitchen cleanup. They’re quick to make, with most ready in under 30 minutes. This makes dinner time less stressful and more enjoyable.
Our collection includes the best quick meal solutions. They use pantry staples and convenient ingredients like rotisserie chicken and jarred sauces. Each recipe is designed to help parents make tasty meals fast.
From Tex-Mex inspired pasta to creamy garlic parmesan, there’s something for everyone. These recipes are perfect for picky eaters or those looking for healthy options. They’ll become your go-to meals for busy weeknights.
Get ready to make your cooking routine easier. These incredible one-pot pasta recipes will help you spend more time with your family.
1. Easy One-Pot Spaghetti with Marinara
Looking for quick dinner ideas that are easy and tasty? Our simple one-pot recipes are perfect for busy families. This Easy One-Pot Spaghetti with Marinara is your new weeknight dinner hero. It’s full of flavor and easy to clean up, turning simple ingredients into a meal everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 12 oz spaghetti noodles
- 2 jars (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Optional: 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large pot
- Add diced onions and minced garlic
- Pour in marinara sauce and chicken broth
- Add spaghetti noodles
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Top with Parmesan cheese if desired
Tips for Enhanced Flavor
Want to make your one-pot spaghetti even better? Here are some pro tips:
- Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for deeper flavor
- Experiment with different ground meats like Italian sausage
- Sprinkle fresh basil on top for added freshness
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 448 |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 24g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Storage Time | 3-5 days refrigerated |
Cleaning up is a breeze with these simple one-pot recipes! Your family will love this delicious spaghetti. And you’ll save time on dishes. Pro tip: Leftovers can be frozen for up to 3 months, making meal prep easy.
2. Creamy One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Busy parents will love this creamy, cheesy pasta dish! It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. 🧀
One-pot pasta dishes are great for families. They save time on cleanup and pack a lot of flavor. This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a perfect example. It combines rich ingredients in one pot, making dinner easy.
Key Ingredients
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup half and half
- 5 garlic cubes (or 5 fresh garlic cloves)
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet
- Sauté garlic until fragrant
- Add chicken stock and pasta
- Simmer until pasta is tender
- Stir in half and half and Parmesan
- Season with salt and pepper
Perfect Pairings
Try these pairings with the creamy pasta:
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken
- Simple green salad
- Garlic bread
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Calories | 543 kcal |
| Protein | 35g (70% DV) |
| Carbohydrates | 33g (11% DV) |
| Fat | 28g (43% DV) |
Pro tip: Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein in this versatile kid-approved pasta recipe!
3. One-Pot Mexican Fiesta Pasta
Spice up your weeknights with a family-friendly pasta dish that feels like a Mexican fiesta. This one-pot wonder mixes Tex-Mex flavors for a quick, tasty meal. Everyone will want more.
Essential Ingredients
Transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with these key ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups uncooked pasta
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
Cooking Instructions
Making this family-friendly pasta is simple. Follow these steps to create your Mexican Fiesta Pasta:
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet
- Add taco seasoning and stir thoroughly
- Pour in pasta, tomatoes, and water
- Simmer until pasta is tender (about 15 minutes)
- Top with cheese and let it melt
Suggested Toppings
Enhance your one-pot meal with these tasty garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crushed tortilla chips
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 414 kcal |
| Protein | 19 g |
| Carbohydrates | 62 g |
| Total Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
This One-Pot Mexican Fiesta Pasta shows that weeknight meals can be fun and healthy. Your family will enjoy the vibrant flavors and easy prep. It makes dinner a celebration!
4. Healthy One-Pot Spinach and Feta Pasta
Looking for quick dinner ideas that are also healthy? Our simple one-pot recipes are here to help! This Spinach and Feta Pasta makes healthy eating fun. It’s a hit with even the pickiest eaters. 🥬
Ingredients to Gather
- 1 pound fusilli pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions for Preparation
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet
- Sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes
- Add pasta and broth
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Stir in fresh spinach
- Top with crumbled feta
Nutritional Benefits
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 298 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Vitamin A | 1583 IU |
This nutrient-dense pasta is full of flavor and health benefits. Spinach gives you essential vitamins, and feta adds a tangy protein boost. It’s perfect for busy parents who want tasty, quick dinners that are also good for you! 🍽️
5. Quick One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
Looking for a tasty meal that’s quick to make? Our Quick One-Pot Chicken Alfredo is perfect for busy parents. It’s a hit with kids and saves you time!
Busy parents face the challenge of making meals fast. This chicken alfredo recipe makes dinner easy. It’s full of flavor and easy to clean up.
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Detailed Cooking Steps
- Combine milk, chicken broth, and pasta in a large pot
- Bring liquid to a gentle boil, stirring every 30 seconds
- Cook pasta for approximately 6 minutes
- Add shredded chicken and garlic
- Stir in parmesan cheese
- Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Total Calories | 559 kcal |
| Protein | 21 g |
| Carbohydrates | 49 g |
| Total Fat | 31 g |
Pro tip: Use rotisserie chicken to cut down on preparation time and add instant flavor to this kid-approved pasta recipe!
6. One-Pot Shrimp Scampi
Looking for a fancy yet easy one-pot dish for dinner? Our One-Pot Shrimp Scampi is a great choice. It turns a simple meal into a fancy dinner that impresses your family and saves you time.
This seafood pasta dish brings top-notch taste to your table with little effort. Recipes like this make cooking fun and easy.
Ingredients for Shrimp Scampi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 dashes hot sauce
Cooking Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
- Sauté onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes until translucent
- Add shrimp and cook until pink (about 2-3 minutes)
- Pour in white wine and lemon juice
- Add pasta and butter, cooking until pasta is al dente
- Sprinkle with parmesan and hot sauce
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 469 | 23% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Total Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 57g | 19% |
Pro tip: Use dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc for the most authentic flavor!
7. Budget-Friendly One-Pot Pasta Primavera
Looking for a quick and affordable dinner? Our Budget-Friendly One-Pot Pasta Primavera is perfect. It’s a delicious, budget-friendly meal that’s ready in just 35 minutes. It’s a colorful, nutritious feast made from simple ingredients.
Components Needed
Here’s what you need for this tasty pasta dish:
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini works great)
- Seasonal vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots)
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Garlic and herbs
- Parmesan cheese
Cooking Procedure
Making this quick dinner idea is easy:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot
- Sauté chopped vegetables for 3-4 minutes
- Add pasta, broth, and seasonings
- Simmer for 12-15 minutes
- Stir in cheese before serving
Storage Tips
Here’s how to store your meal:
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Store in airtight container |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Cool completely before freezing |
Pro tip: When reheating, add a splash of broth. It keeps your pasta primavera moist and fresh!
8. One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta Delight
Looking for a tasty and quick meal? Our One-Pot Mediterranean Pasta Delight is ready in just 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy parents who want a healthy and fun dish.
Key Ingredients That Transport You to the Mediterranean
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh cherry tomatoes
- Garlic cloves
- Kalamata olives
- Fresh herbs (oregano and basil)
- Feta cheese
Preparation Steps for Culinary Magic
This dish is incredibly easy to make. Start by cooking garlic in olive oil. Then, add your pasta and broth. As it cooks, a rich sauce forms, covering every pasta strand.
Nutritional highlights make this recipe a winner:
- Protein content: 18g per serving
- Total calories: 444 per serving
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
Pro tip for busy parents: You can make it your own by adding rotisserie chicken or changing vegetables. It stays true to its Mediterranean roots while being flexible.
9. Kid-Friendly One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta
Looking for a fun family pasta dish? Our One-Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta is perfect. It’s loved by kids and adults alike!
Must-Have Ingredients
Here’s what you need for a tasty pasta meal:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 ounces uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 1 cup jarred mild salsa
- 1.5 cups shredded Mexican-style cheese
- 2 cups water
Simple Cooking Process
Making this delicious meal is simple. Just follow these steps:
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet
- Add taco seasoning and stir well
- Pour in pasta, salsa, and water
- Simmer for about 12-15 minutes
- Sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt
This cheesy, flavorful meal is ready in 35 minutes. It’s a hit with families, earning 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Nutritional Highlights
Each serving is packed with nutrients:
- Calories: 592 kcal
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Total Fat: 31g
Want to make it more fun? Add toppings like chopped tomatoes, avocado, or crushed tortilla chips!
10. One-Pot Spinach and Artichoke Pasta
Looking for a tasty one-pot recipe? Our One-Pot Spinach and Artichoke Pasta turns a favorite dip into a main dish. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor, with little cleanup needed!
Main Ingredients You’ll Need
- Linguine pasta (1 package)
- Two 14-ounce cans artichoke hearts
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup whipping cream
- Chicken or vegetable broth
Easy-to-Follow Instructions
This quick dinner is ready in minutes! Mix all ingredients in one pot for even flavor. Cook at high pressure for 4 minutes to soak up the creamy sauce.
| Cooking Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Total Cooking Time | 10 minutes |
| Pressure Cooking Time | 4 minutes |
| Servings | 4 people |
| Refrigerator Shelf Life | Up to 5 days |
Pro tip: Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes for the best creamy texture. Use full-fat dairy for the rich taste of this dish!
Serving Suggestions
Enhance this recipe with grilled chicken or baked salmon. The pasta goes well with protein, making it great for busy weeknights.
11. One-Pot Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta
Looking for easy weeknight meals that will make your family smile? Our One-Pot Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta is perfect for busy parents. It’s a delicious and nutritious dish that combines protein-packed shrimp with broccoli in one pot. This makes dinner prep a breeze!
Ingredients Overview
- 8 ounces small pasta (elbow or orecchiette)
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium broth
- 1 cup full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Cooking Steps
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat
- Sauté garlic for 30-60 seconds until fragrant
- Add broth, milk, and pasta. Bring to a simmer
- Cook pasta for 8-10 minutes
- Add broccoli during last 5 minutes of cooking
- Stir in shrimp and cook until opaque (2 minutes)
- Mix in Greek yogurt, cheese, and lemon juice
Nutrition and Storage
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 415 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 53 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for 3 months. Enjoy your quick and delicious one-pot meal!
12. Hearty One-Pot Beef Stroganoff Pasta
Indulge in our one-pot beef stroganoff pasta, a top pick for busy parents. It’s a kid-friendly twist on the classic Russian dish. This recipe makes a family meal that everyone will love.
This version of beef stroganoff is easy to make. It combines all ingredients in one pot, saving time and effort. In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a dish full of tender beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles.
This dish is great for families who want quick, tasty meals. It’s packed with flavors from mushrooms, garlic, and cooking wine. The secret is a mix of beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and sour cream for a creamy sauce.
This beef stroganoff pasta serves 4-6 people. It’s more than a meal; it’s a way to bring your family together. Get your large pot ready for a dinner that will be a hit!
