One Pot Spaghetti

One Pot Spaghetti turns the classic into a weeknight favorite, thanks to fewer dishes, less time and more flavor!!

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It’s a busy weeknight and you’re scrambling to get a meal on the table for your family.  You grab a jar of pasta sauce and some spaghetti and get a pot filled up with water to boil.  

Ok, let’s stop there, because I’ve got a little secret to fill you in on.  You don’t need to boil the pasta separately from the sauce.  Yeah, you heard that right, no waiting for water to boil!

In fact, I actually prefer this method of making pasta.  Why?  Because instead of cooking the pasta in water (boring & flavorless), you cook it in the sauce, which allows the pasta to soak up all the yummy Italian flavors of the sauce!  Just give it a try and you’ll taste the difference!!!

Ingredients Needed

• Ground Beef - Or Italian sausage, ground pork or ground turkey
• Beef Broth - If you don't have any broth, water will work fine
• Marinara Sauce - Use your favorite marinara sauce
• Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Oregano - I like the extra flavor from the basil, garlic and oregano, but regular diced tomatoes will work great as well
• Garlic Powder
• Spaghetti - I use regular spaghetti noodles, but you could use other pasta shapes, too, however it might affect the cook time

How to make One Pot Spaghetti

1. Cook the ground beef in a large skillet.
2. Add the broth, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes and garlic and bring to a boil.
3. Stir in the dry pasta and cook until the liquid has been mostly absorbed and the noodles are soft.

What to Serve with Spaghetti

There's nothing better than a warm piece of homemade garlic bread with a plate of spaghetti!! I also like to have a side of a leafy green salad with balsamic or Italian dressing.

Amp up the Flavor!

• Skip the ground beef and add frozen meatballs instead! (Simply add the meatballs when you add the pasta, bring it all to a boil and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally)
• Add more veggies!  Diced onions, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.
• Top with cheese!  If you’re a cheese-lover, sprinkle ¼ c parmesan cheese and 1 c shredded mozzarella on top when the pasta is done.
• Turn up the heat!  Stir in ½ - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes….taste it and add more if desired.

Other One Pot Pastas

Looking for more one-pot meals?? I don’t blame you – our family could live off these alone!!
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Mexican Mac & Cheese
Ground Beef Casserole

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