Collage of one-pot pasta recipes.

23 One Pot Pasta Recipes For Busy Weeknights

Some nights call for dinner that’s filling, simple, and easy to clean up afterward. One pot pasta meals are great when you want everything cooked together without juggling extra pans.

As the pasta simmers, it soaks up the flavors from the sauce, meat, and seasonings, making each bite taste amazing. These recipes work well for busy weeknights when you want a warm meal on the table with minimal effort.

1. Chicken Parmesan Pasta

Chicken Parmesan pasta in a skillet.
Photo Credit: I Heart Naptime

Chicken, pasta, marinara, and heese come together in one skillet for a cozy meal with barely any dishes to wash. It’s a great choice when you need dinner on the table fast but still want something hearty and homemade.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Pasta

2. Spaghetti and Meatballs

Spaghetti and meatballs on a plate.
Photo Credit: Valerie’s Kitchen

This one pot spaghetti and meatballs recipe makes cleanup a breeze since the pasta cooks right in the sauce. With frozen meatballs and pantry staples, it’s a go-to option for a no-fuss weeknight meal.

Get the Recipe: Spaghetti and Meatballs

3. Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

Philly cheesesteak pasta in a bowl.
Photo Credit: Valerie’s Kitchen

Get the savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with this all-in-one skillet meal. Bell peppers, onions, and beef cook together with noodles for a quick take on the sandwich favorite.

Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Pasta

4. Smoked Sausage Pasta

Smoked sausage pasta in a skillet.
Photo Credit: On My Kid’s Plate

Smoked sausage, pasta, and cheese simmer together in one pot for a fast dinner with minimal prep. You can easily swap in whatever veggies or pantry ingredients you have on hand to make it your own.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Sausage Pasta

5. Lemon Shrimp Orzo Skillet

Lemon shrimp orzo in a bowl.
Photo Credit: Nourish and Fete

This lemony orzo dish pairs shrimp with vegetables for a light dinner. It comes together in just half an hour on the stove.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Shrimp Orzo Skillet

6. Chicken Rigatoni

Chicken rigatoni in a skillet.
Photo Credit: The Slow Roasted Italian

With chicken, rigatoni, and a rich tomato base, this one-pot dinner is full of flavor and topped with parmesan for a cozy Italian meal. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s simple to toss together.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Rigatoni

7. Enchilada Pasta

Enchilada pasta in a skillet.
Photo Credit: I Heart Naptime

Enchilada flavors meet cheesy pasta in this quick one-pot meal that’s perfect when you’re craving Tex-Mex without a lot of fuss. It uses ground beef and pantry staples for an easy, satisfying dinner.

Get the Recipe: Enchilada Pasta

8. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese in a bowl.
Photo Credit: Nourish and Fete

This creamy mac and cheese is made in one pot from start to finish, with no straining required. A surprising ingredient gives it extra flavor while keeping things super easy and mess-free.

Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

9. Pizza Pasta Skillet

Pizza pasta in a skillet.
Photo Credit: The Slow Roasted Italian

Loaded with sausage, pepperoni, tomato sauce, and cheese, this skillet pasta tastes like your favorite slice in dinner form. Just toss everything into one pot for an effortless twist on pizza night.

Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Skillet

10. One Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Tuscan chicken and pasta in white skillet with white background.
Photo Credit: Barley & Sage

This Tuscan chicken orzo pasta comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

The sun-dried tomatoes along with fresh herbs make this dish incredibly flavorful.

Get the Recipe: One Pan Creamy Chicken Pasta

11. Sloppy Joe Pasta

Sloppy Joe pasta in a pot.
Photo Credit: Amanda’s Cookin’

This recipe turns classic sloppy joes into a one-pot pasta with a yummy sauce that sticks to every bite. It’s a nostalgic, comforting meal that skips the buns and saves time.

Get the Recipe: Sloppy Joe Pasta

12. Lemon Garlic Pasta

Lemon garlic pasta on a plate.
Photo Credit: The Fresh Cooky

This one-pot lemon garlic pasta is a foolproof way to make dinner without juggling multiple pots. Bright citrus and garlic make it a fresh option that still feels satisfying.

Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Pasta

13. Chili Mac

Chili mac in a pot.
Photo Credit: Princess Pinky Girl

Chili Mac blends the boldness of chili with the comfort of mac and cheese, all in one pot. It’s a hearty choice for anyone who can’t decide between two classic favorites.

Get the Recipe: Chili Mac

14. One-Pot Lasagna Soup

A bowl of lasagna soup.
Photo Credit: The Cookin’ Chicks

All the comfort of lasagna with none of the layering, this soup is loaded with ground beef, lasagna noodles, marinara, and melty cheese. It’s ready in just over 30 minutes.

Get the Recipe: One Pot Lasagna Soup

15. Cajun Sausage Spaghetti

Cajun sausage in a pot.
Photo Credit: Bless This Meal

If you’re tired of basic spaghetti, try this dish filled with smoky sausage, bell peppers, and Cajun spices. Your family will give this recipe five out of five stars.

Get the Recipe: Cajun Sausage Spaghetti

16. One-Pan Caprese Pasta

Close up shot of caprese pasta.
Photo Credit: Craving Something Healthy

Made with pesto, tomatoes, and mozzarella, this will be your new go-to pasta dish when you want something simple to make. Serve it during the warm summer months or year-round when craving fresh flavors.

Get the Recipe: One-Pan Caprese Pasta

17. One-Pot French Onion Pasta

French onion pasta in a bowl.
Photo Credit: Bless This Meal

Inspired by French onion soup, this pasta dish combines caramelized onions with ground beef and mushrooms. It’s comforting, savory, and ready in just 30 minutes.

Get the Recipe: One-Pot French Onion Pasta

18. Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

Ravioli lasagna in a pan.
Photo Credit: Lemons and Zest

Store-bought ravioli, ground turkey marinara, and mozzarella are layered and cooked in a skillet for a shortcut lasagna that tastes like it’s made from scratch.

Get the Recipe: Skillet Ravioli Lasagna

19. One-Pot American Goulash

A bowl of American goulash.
Photo Credit: Cooking with Carlee

Elbow macaroni, ground beef, and canned diced tomatoes make this comforting dish that is great for feeding the entire crew. It all cooks in one pan, with no need to boil the pasta separately.

Get the Recipe: One-Pot American Goulash

20. Baked Chicken and Orzo

Baked chicken and orzo on a plate.
Photo Credit: Happy Honey Kitchen

This easy dinner recipe consists of chicken thighs, artichoke hearts, spinach, orzo, and sun-dried tomatoes. The homemade cream-based sauce is so good!

Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken and Orzo

21. One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese

Taco mac and cheese in a blue pot with ingredients and a blue and white towel next to the pot on a white marble background.
Photo Credit: xoxoBella

Combining two family favorites, mac and cheese with tacos is guaranteed to be a favorite with everyone.

Get the Recipe: One Pot Taco Mac and Cheese

22. Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

Pasta with shrimp and spinach.
Photo Credit: Valerie’s Kitchen

Since shrimp cooks so quickly, it’s the perfect protein for one pot meals. All the flavor you build in the tomato sauce will be wicked up into the pasta, and the shrimp will add a perfect pop of sweetness to balance it all out.

Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Spinach Pasta

23. One Pot Lemon Chicken Pasta

Lemon chicken orzo pasta in a pan.
Photo Credit: Grits and Pinecones

This dish combines chicken, orzo, and kale in a bright, lemony broth. It cooks in about 20 minutes and is finished with Parmesan and herbs.

Get the Recipe: One-Pot Lemon Chicken Orzo

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *