Pasta All-In: Quick & Easy One-Pot Recipe for Dinner

Pasta All-In is a one-pan meal (hence the name) that is so easy to make and doesn’t take long at all.

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Looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that requires minimal effort and cleanup? This Pasta All-In recipe is your go-to solution. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines the convenience of one-pot cooking with the rich flavors of Italian cuisine.

Pasta All-In originated from a recipe I saw someone share on Facebook, one of the many recipe videos that circulate daily. There wasn’t a title, and it didn’t link to a blog post. It was just a video without words or anything else. I tried to look at what was going in and went from there.

The recipe is so easy because it’s all cooked in one pan, hence the name ‘pasta all-in’. The recipe video didn’t have a name for it, so I made my own.

This recipe generally makes enough for 4 people, so I usually halve the recipe for us. It can be reheated, but for some reason, it’s one of those that we just don’t end up eating. So I have started making just enough for dinner that night unless we have people over.

Speaking of, it’s a great recipe if you are having company because it’s quick and easy and doesn’t take a lot of work. Put everything in the pot, let it cook, then serve.

Also, sometimes I don’t have enough vegetable broth, so I’ve made it with chicken broth, and it is just as good! This is a great meatless option and can be vegan if you use vegan cheese.

This Pasta All-In recipe is a testament to the beauty of one-pot meals—simple, delicious, and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying this for the first time, it’s a good idea to keep this recipe in your rotation for those nights when you crave comfort without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Pasta Recipe

• Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in a single large pot or Dutch oven, saving you time on dishes.
• Maximum Taste: The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easily adaptable with different sauces or proteins like ground beef or chicken breast.
• Family-Friendly: A complete meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients Overview

• Pasta: 12 ounces of your preferred type of pasta. For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free noodles.
• Tomatoes: 1 can of diced tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
• Onion & Garlic: 1 large onion (sliced) and 4 cloves of garlic (minced) add depth to the sauce.
• Herbs & Spices: 2 teaspoons each of oregano and basil, plus a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Liquid: 3½ cups of water or cups of chicken stock to cook the pasta.
• Cheese: Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano for added richness.

Tips for Success

• Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining; its starch helps in creating a flavorful sauce.
• Protein Additions: For a heartier meal, add cooked ground beef or sliced chicken breast.
• Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This one-pot pasta dish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or preparing for a casual dinner with friends, here are several ways to round out your meal for maximum taste and satisfaction:

Pair with a Fresh Salad

A crisp green salad with lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper makes the perfect contrast to the richness of the pasta sauce. Try adding grape or cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Add a Protein Boost

This dish is delicious as-is, but you can make it a more complete meal by adding cooked chicken breast, ground beef, or Italian sausage. If you’re short on time, sauté your protein in the same large pan or Dutch oven before adding the rest of the ingredients—no need for fewer pans means minimal cleanup.

Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette

There’s a good reason why pasta and garlic bread are a classic combo. Use a baguette, slathered with butter and garlic powder, then toast until golden. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce at the bottom of the pan.

Wine Pairings

A light white wine complements the acidity of tomato sauce, while a medium-bodied red balances the richness of a meat sauce made with raw meat or cooked proteins. If you’ve added heavy cream or whole milk for a creamier texture, opt for a Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.

Family-Friendly Toppings

Let the whole family customize their bowls with fun, flavorful toppings like shredded pecorino romano, Italian seasoning, fresh basil, or even a little Parmesan and lemon zest for brightness. A dash of red pepper flakes gives a spicy kick for those who like it hot.

Meal Prep and Leftovers

This dish stores well and is ideal for easy meals throughout the week. Make a larger batch and portion it into containers. Add a splash of pasta water or cups of chicken stock when reheating to loosen the sauce and maintain texture.

Creative Leftover Ideas

If you have leftovers, use them as a filling for a pasta bake: simply place the pasta in a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. Or reheat in a pressure cooker or on the stovetop with a splash of boiling water to bring it back to life.

Seasonal Adjustments

No matter the time of year, this recipe can be adjusted with seasonal veggies. In the summer, add grape tomatoes or zucchini. In colder months, mix in spinach or mushrooms for added depth and comfort.

Pasta All-In Step by Step

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 can tomatoes (diced)
• 1 large onion (sliced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tsp oregano
• 2 tsp basil
• 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded, for garnish)

Preparation

You’ll need a large stockpot to make Pasta All-In since you are adding all of the ingredients into one pot. Cut up the vegetables and throw those in the pot along with the linguine, tomatoes, seasonings, and broth.

If the pot isn’t tall enough, you may need to break the linguine in half for it to fit. Otherwise, you can also wait until the linguine cooks a bit so it gets soft and will fit in the pot.

Once you are able, cover the pot with the lid and bring everything to a boil. 

Turn the heat down and let it simmer while keeping the lid on and cook for about 10 minutes or until most of the liquid has evaporated.

Serve the pasta warm and garnish with parmesan cheese.

Pasta All-In Leftovers

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce.

Recipe

Pasta All-In

Pasta All-In is a one-pan meal (hence the name) that is so easy to make and doesn’t take long at all. 

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Course:

Main Dish

Cuisine:

American

Diet

Vegetarian

Keyword:

broth

|

pasta

|

vegetarian

Dietary Needs:

Egg-Free

|

Nut-Free

Cooking Method:

One-Pan Meals

Servings: 6 cups

5 from 6 votes

Ingredients

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 can tomatoes (diced)
• 1 large onion (sliced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tsp oregano
• 2 tsp basil
• 3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (shredded, for garnish)

Recommended Equipment

• Chef Knife
• Cutting Board
• Garlic Press
• Stockpot

Instructions

• Place all ingredients (except parmesan cheese) in a large stock pot
• Cover and bring to a boil
• Reduce to a low simmer and keep covered, stirring occasionally
• Cook about 10 minutes or until noodles are done and most of the liquid has evaporated
• Serve garnished with parmesan cheese

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Nutrition Facts

Pasta All-In

Amount Per Serving (1 cup)

Calories 263 Calories from Fat 27

% Daily Value*

Fat 3g5%

Saturated Fat 2g10%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.4g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 6mg2%

Sodium 687mg29%

Potassium 182mg5%

Carbohydrates 47g16%

Fiber 3g12%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 11g22%

Vitamin A 372IU7%

Vitamin C 2mg2%

Calcium 128mg13%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.

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