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Cozy One Pot Spaghetti Dinner

Cozy One Pot Spaghetti Dinner
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The Cozy One Pot Spaghetti Dinner is a heartwarming, easy-to-make comfort food that combines rich tomato flavors, aromatic herbs, and perfectly cooked spaghetti in a single pot. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers simplicity, minimal cleanup, and delicious taste ideal for busy weeknights or family dinners. Customizable to fit dietary preferences, it invites additions like protein, vegetables, or spice for a personalized touch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti noodles (regular or whole wheat)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Optional Variations

  • 1/2 lb cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage (for protein-packed version)
  • Red pepper flakes or hot sauce, to taste (for spicy kick)
  • Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach (for added veggies)
  • Gluten-free pasta (to substitute regular spaghetti)
  • Vegan cheese alternative (for vegan adaptation)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook gently, stirring, until soft and fragrant to build a flavorful foundation for the sauce.

  2. Step 2: Add tomatoes and seasoning

    Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to mellow the acidity and blend flavors.

  3. Step 3: Incorporate broth and spaghetti

    Pour in the broth. Break spaghetti noodles in half and add to the pot. Ensure noodles are mostly submerged in liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  4. Step 4: Cook until tender

    Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the noodles are fully cooked and have absorbed the savory tomato broth.

  5. Step 5: Finish with cheese and herbs

    Remove the pot from heat. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil or parsley to add creaminess and fresh herbal notes.

Notes

  • Use starchy pasta: Choose traditional spaghetti, which helps thicken the sauce as it cooks for a luscious texture.
  • Stir frequently: Prevent the noodles from clumping or sticking by stirring every few minutes during cooking.
  • Add broth gradually: Monitor liquid levels and add more broth or water if the dish becomes too dry or soupy.
  • Fresh herbs matter: Add fresh basil or parsley at the end to keep their bright flavors vibrant.
  • Don’t skip resting: Let the dish sit off heat for a couple of minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot, spaghetti, comfort food, easy pasta, quick dinner, family-friendly, cozy meal, Italian seasoning, simple recipe

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/cozy-one-pot-spaghetti-dinner/