13 One Pan Pasta Recipes

I love a good one pot meal. Heck, I’m even happy for a two pot/pan meal some days! But let’s go for gold, shall we, with one pan pasta recipes! Usually these meals cook a lot faster, can be easier (at least where dishes are concerned if not minimal prep), and I think they can be tastier.

When all the ingredients cook together, somehow the flavors merry together better, the pasta absorbs more of the flavor, and it’s all just a yummier (more umami if you will) experience. And who doesn’t need that (on the easy) for a weeknight dinner?

13 One Pan Pasta Recipes

I live with pasta lovers. On our trip to Italy last year, my son ate pasta twice per day for ten days straight before asking if there was anything else on the menu (and he likes a wide variety of food)! And there are many weeknights (heck, even weekend nights) when I want a simple dinner that’ll make everyone happy.

One pan pasta recipes are usually the default here (and especially for my husband when he’s cooking). The flavors cooking together really is the bees knees for flavor. You know how leftover spaghetti is just always so good? It’s because the flavors have had a chance to mix and mingle with the pasta. And while a quick, one pan recipe might not get you quite to the leftover pasta flavor status, it’s pretty darn good!

Cooking the pasta and sauce all together in one pot also lets you see how the ingredients are coming together, so you can get the right thickness for a sauce – not too watery or too thick! Since I’m the girl who always adds too many veggies (I don’t really think that’s a thing but others at my table might disagree), getting the right balance of everything is pretty helpful.

Why One Pan Pasta Works

First, there are two types of recipes here (though similar in nature). One pot pasta recipes are cooking the dish in a single pot, usually adding ingredients to the boiling water or pasta pot toward the end of its cooking. These recipes tend to be more simple and lighter. Once the water boils for the pasta, you can have dinner on the table in roughly 20 minutes with these!

Then there are one pan pasta recipes which are more cooking the sauce in a large sauté pan and then adding in uncooked pasta to cook in the sauce. Since I figure we’re all here for easy dinners, I’ve included both options.

One pan pasta recipes are also a little next level because of the science and magic that happens in that one big pan. Cooking the pasta in the broth or sauce actually flavors the pasta, rather than just sitting on it.

Pasta also release starch as it cooks, which thickens the cooking liquid in the sauce, but it also gives the sauce great flavor. And when the pasta releases the starch into the sauce, the sauce also seeps into the pasta – this is where the magic happens people!!

Best Pasta Shapes for One Pan Recipes

Each of the recipes below offers suggestions, and I’ve the opinion that you can use whatever pasta you have on hand, but it is easier to mix smaller pastas in full pans than long noodles. Science.

• Penne
• Rotini
• Fusilli
• Farfalle (butterfly pasta)
• Orecchiette
• Campanelle (also called trumpet pasta)

13 One Pan Pasta Dishes

One Pot Veggie Pasta

This one pot summer vegetable pasta recipe was one of the first one pot recipes I ever created and it’s still a favorite. Summer veggies give you all the yummy flavor to love with the comfort of pasta!

Pasta with Peas

This is actually a great recipe to use as a side dish or a main dish, depending on what you’re looking for. The best part about this pasta with peas recipe is that it uses items you likely already have on hand – no extra shopping!

Chicken Piccata Pasta

A classic mix of flavors, this chicken piccata pasta recipe has minimal ingredients with maximum flavor. And it uses spaghetti noodles but calls for breaking them in half to cook more easily!

Greek Orzo Pasta

A fun dinner for a crowd, this Greek orzo pasta recipe has ground beef, chopped veggies galore, and some simple seasonings. Recommend to top with feta, dill, and tzatziki! I’ll pretty much eat anything if there’s tzatziki!

One Pot Taco Pasta

Pasta and Mexican food together? Sign me up. This one pot taco pasta has ground beef, taco seasoning, and shell pasta. Oh and cheddar cheese mixed in at the end. The recipe only calls for one onion, so I’d probably add in more veggies, like green or red peppers, zucchini, or even finely chopped kale in a pinch.

Skillet Spaghetti and Meatballs

Because the basics never disappoint, do they?! This skillet spaghetti and meatballs is exactly that, making a simple but yummy tomato sauce in the pan as the pasta cooks!

Ricotta Lemon Pasta

Oh my creamy goodness, this ricotta lemon pasta is packed with flavor and loaded with a short ingredient list!!

Marry Me Chicken Orzo

A one pan pasta recipe for the ever-popular marry me chicken. made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese, this is a rich, creamy full of flavor!!

Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

This one is on the lighter side (After so many yummy, decadent recipes). Shrimp and spinach pasta combines cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, and onion with shrimp, pasta, and yummy broth (made with bouillon!) for a yummy dinner that won’t be too much!

Canned Tuna Pasta

Another fabulous and easy one pan pasta recipe is tuna pasta. Simply add tuna, lemon, peas, and freshly grated parmesan to cooked pasta for a fast meal that’s yummy year round!

Chicken Sausage Pasta

Another one of my family’s absolute favorites is this penne pasta with sausage! Made with chicken sausage and peas, it also comes together very quickly and it’s always a hit!!

Broccoli Pasta

This broccoli and cashew pasta is surprisingly full of flavor. The cashew take time to soak (but no work) to make a delicious creamy, vegan pasta sauce that everyone will devour!

Spicy Sausage Pasta

Closing the list out with a band, this one pot spicy sausage pasta is a yummy one. The recipe is pretty straightforward. The ‘passata’ refers to tomato sauce!

How To Make One Pan Pasta

Use the Right Pan Size

A wide, heavy-bottomed skillet or sauté pan allows liquid to reduce evenly and prevents overcrowding. If pasta is stacked too high, it cooks unevenly. I like this big sauté pan and it comes with a lid!

Get the Liquid Ratio Right

Start with less and add more if needed. Too much liquid creates a thin sauce. Too little leaves pasta undercooked.

Fully Submerge the Pasta

Make sure pasta is mostly covered by liquid at the start. Stir early to prevent sticking while the starch begins releasing.

Stir Strategically

Stir every 2 to 3 minutes, especially during the first half of cooking. This prevents clumping and helps release starch to thicken the sauce naturally. The pasta will hit the glorious al dente phase simultaneously.

Maintain a Gentle Simmer

Keep the heat at a steady simmer rather than a rapid boil. High heat evaporates liquid too quickly and can leave pasta firm inside.

Layer Flavor From the Start

Cook aromatics like garlic and onions briefly before adding liquid. Use broth instead of water for deeper flavor.

Add Proteins Carefully for Best Flavor

If using raw chicken or sausage, brown it first for flavor, then remove and return it later to finish cooking. This prevents overcooking.

Add Delicate Ingredients at the End

Stir in spinach, herbs, cheese, or cream after the pasta is nearly done to preserve texture and prevent separation.

Adjust Consistency at the Finish

If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of warm broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

Rest Before Serving

Let the pasta sit for 2 to 3 minutes after cooking. The sauce will thicken slightly as starch continues to activate.