One-Pot No-Boil Spaghetti: Quick Saucy Pasta Dinner

One-Pot Spaghetti – a simple, dependable spaghetti recipe that’s ready in about 20 minutes. No pre-boiling required: the pasta cooks right in the sauce. This version combines Italian sausage, garlic, onion, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, a touch of sugar and basil, heavy cream, and thin spaghetti for a rich, restaurant-worthy meal.

One-Pot Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

I’m a big fan of one-pot dinners because they cut down on dishes and are usually quick to make. This One-Pot Spaghetti has become a household favorite. It delivers deep, layered flavor—meaty, garlicky, and slightly creamy—and it reheats well, making great leftovers for lunch. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and will likely earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

How to Make One-Pot Spaghetti

This recipe is straightforward and uses common pantry ingredients. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, brown 1 pound of Italian sausage over medium-high heat until no pink remains, then drain excess fat. Stir in 3 tablespoons tomato paste, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon dried minced onion flakes, 1 tablespoon dried basil, and 1 tablespoon sugar; cook 1–2 minutes to release the aromatics. Add 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes, 4 cups chicken broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), and 12 oz uncooked thin spaghetti. Break the spaghetti in half if needed so it fits in the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve in bowls and top with grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

• You can substitute lean ground beef or ground turkey for the Italian sausage.
• To add more vegetables, stir in thawed frozen spinach, chopped fresh onion, sliced mushrooms, or diced bell pepper.
• If you don’t have dried basil, use Italian seasoning instead.
• Beef broth works in place of chicken broth if you prefer a heartier flavor.
• For a different flavor profile, swap the crushed tomatoes for a jar of your favorite marinara sauce.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days; reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What to Serve with Spaghetti Bolognese

This one-pot spaghetti pairs perfectly with simple sides: crusty garlic bread and a crisp green salad make it a complete meal in under 30 minutes. It’s family-friendly and satisfying—great for weeknights when you want a comforting, flavorful dish without the fuss.

Here are a few side ideas that complement this pasta well:

One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese

4.95 from 20 votes

By Stephanie Parker

Servings: 6 people

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 25 mins

Total: 35 mins

One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese – an easy, quick spaghetti you can make without pre-boiling the pasta. It’s flavorful, creamy, and family-friendly.

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Ingredients 

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 3 Tbsp tomato paste
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
• 1 Tbsp dried basil
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• 12 -oz thin spaghetti, uncooked

Instructions 

• In a Dutch oven, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
• Add tomato paste, minced garlic, dried onion flakes, basil, and sugar. Cook 1–2 minutes to bloom the flavors.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, red pepper flakes, and uncooked spaghetti. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with Parmesan.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef or ground turkey for the sausage if preferred.

Nutrition

Calories: 570kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 20g

Nutritional information is provided by third-party sources and may not be exact. Use it as an estimate.