When I’m cooking at home, I can’t deal with a recipe that takes longer to clean than it does to cook. This is especially true when I’m aiming for something quick and easy during a busy week. Yes, I’m almost always proud of what I end up with, but at what cost? Sometimes it seems like the dishes are looming over me and I regret not choosing leftovers. Solution? Healthy one-pot pasta recipes that streamline your dinner without sacrificing deliciousness.
Growing up, pasta was not a staple meal in my house. My dad doesn’t love tomatoes, so a classic red sauce never made it to our dinner table. Even with other sauces, my mom never made pasta. According to my dad, the essence of tomato still lingered. But when I got to college, I was introduced to the world of carb-based goodness. Now, whether it’s from one of my favorite Austin spots like Red Ash or Il Brutto (and recently Sammie’s!) or homemade, pasta has found its way into my diet and, of course, my heart. With it comes an abundance of recipes that are now in my regular rotation. These healthy one-pot pasta recipes are favorites because they’re low on time and effort while still being full of flavor and nutrition. To me, it just tastes better when the clean-up is minimal. If you’re also a fan of recipes that keep things tidy and tasty, read on to find your new one-pot faves.
Pesto Pasta Primavera
Why We Love It: All green, all the time. This veggie-centric pasta celebrates all the best parts of spring and summer in one delicious bowl. It’s easy, healthy, and perfect for soon-to-be warmer weather.
Hero Ingredient: Twisty casarecce pasta mimics the shape of those crisp veggies, but feel free to sub in any bite-sized shape your heart (and appetite) desires.
Get the recipe for Pesto Pasta Primavera.
One-Pot Pasta Primavera
Why We Love It: Light, flavorful, and bursting with veggies—this pasta checks all the boxes. Plus, you really can’t beat those cute little shell shapes.
Hero Ingredient: Frozen peas save time and effort by cooking right alongside the pasta. You don’t even need to thaw them first. Just toss them right in and enjoy the fruits of your minimal labor.
Get the recipe for One-Pot Pasta Primavera.
Creamy Vegan Pasta With Tomatoes and Basil
Why We Love It: This creamy, dairy-free (yes, it’s possible!) pasta recipe is an absolute gem. It’s perfectly filling and lightweight enough that you can enjoy a big bowl without feeling weighed down. Just like if Goldilocks were a pasta.
Hero Ingredient: Those burst tomatoes are melt-in-your-mouth tender and couldn’t be easier to make.
Get the recipe for Creamy Vegan Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil.
One-Pot Summertime Pasta
Why We Love It: It doesn’t get any easier than this yummy pasta. Just place pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, pepper, and basil together in a pot, cover it with water, and wait while the magic happens—completely hands-off. Let’s hear it for simplicity!
Hero Ingredient: Don’t skimp on the sun dried tomatoes.
Get the recipe for One-Pot Summertime Pasta.
Summer Spaghetti With Tomatoes, Burrata, and Basil
Why we love it: Again with the burst tomatoes, this pasta has so much fresh flavor that’s made even better by my (and everyone’s) favorite soft cheese: burrata. This dish’s simple ingredients get a creamy companion that makes every bite memorable. I mean, just look at it.
Hero Ingredient: Fresh basil brings a bright, herby flavor that perfectly finishes this one off.
Get the recipe for Summer Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Burrata, and Basil.
10-Ingredient Creamy Vegan Pantry Pasta from Rainbow Plant Life
Why We Love It: Comforting, healthy, and weeknight-friendly, this vegan pantry pasta turns nothing into a whole lot of something. It’s indulgent without being heavy, and it’s so easy to throw together for lunch or dinner.
Hero Ingredient: Dijon mustard brings a little acidity that balances all that creamy richness.
Get the recipe for 10-Ingredient Creamy Vegan Pantry Pasta.
One-Pot Penne Pasta With Turkey and Spinach from Foodie Crush
Why We Love It: While I love a ground beef recipe, this turkey and spinach pasta is a winner. It gets its flavor from red bell pepper, garlic, and plenty of spices. Plus, it’s another easy one to add to your weeknight rotation.
Hero Ingredient: Cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, and chili powder come together for a balanced spice blend that really packs a punch.
Get the recipe for One-Pot Penne Pasta With Turkey and Spinach.
Mediterranean One-Pot Pasta from Sunkissed Kitchen
Why We Love It: Scientists have declared the Mediterranean diet to be the world’s healthiest, so these recipes are always a win in my book. I’m not the biggest olive fan, but I think they work really well here with the briny artichoke hearts and sharp red onion. All the Mediterranean flavors you crave, together in one pasta. Yum.
Hero Ingredient: Fire-roasted tomatoes invite a little heat and smoky flavor to the party.
Get the recipe for Mediterranean One Pot Pasta.
One Pot Penne Pasta from Love & Lemons
Why We Love It: Veggies and penne combine to make a simple pasta that’s great for a quick lunch or dinner. You might even have these ingredients in your pantry right now (in which case, you’re probably breathing a sigh of relief) and can whip this up in under 30 minutes. Say hello to your new weeknight fave.
Hero Ingredient: Vegan hemp seed topping can be subbed for parmesan cheese for a nutty finishing touch.
Get the recipe for One Pot Penne Pasta.
One Pot Pasta from Simple Vegan Blog
Why We Love It: This one is about as simple as it gets, so be sure to use quality ingredients to make those flavors pop!
Hero Ingredient: Use a heavy hand with the basil. It’ll brighten everything up.
Get the recipe for One Pot Pasta.
Do you have a go-to one-pot pasta recipe? Let us know in the comments!
