When life gets busy, pasta nights are one of the easiest ways I keep dinner stress-free.

These one-pot pasta recipes are simple, comforting, and perfect for evenings when I don’t want to juggle multiple pans or spend forever cleaning up afterward.

What I love most about one-pot pasta meals is how practical they are.

Everything cooks together in a single pot, which means less prep, fewer dishes, and flavors that come together beautifully.

Cooking pasta directly in broth instead of water helps it soak up more flavor while also creating a rich, cohesive sauce—no extra steps needed.

This collection includes creamy favorites, bold and spicy options, veggie-packed meals, and family-friendly comfort food.

If you’re cooking for kids, feeding a hungry family, or just need something reliable for weeknights, these recipes are easy to rotate into your meal plan again and again.

1. One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

This creamy tomato pasta is one of those dependable dinners that never disappoints. It’s smooth, comforting, and comes together quickly with pantry staples—perfect for nights when you want something simple but satisfying.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
12 oz penne pasta
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
2- Add pasta, broth, and marinara sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens.
3- Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Warm through on low heat, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

2. One Pot Marry Me, Chicken Pasta

Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this pasta has earned its name for a reason. It’s rich enough for a special dinner but easy enough to make on a regular weeknight.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
12 oz fettuccine
1 lb chicken breast, diced
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:
1- Heat olive oil in a large pot and cook chicken until lightly golden.
2- Add pasta, broth, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until the pasta is tender.
3- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Warm gently on low heat and serve.

3. One Pot Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

If you love simple, cozy meals, this garlic Parmesan spaghetti is a must-try. It’s rich, buttery, and full of garlicky flavor without being heavy or complicated.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
12 oz spaghetti
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:
1- Heat olive oil in a pot and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2- Add pasta and broth and simmer until the spaghetti is cooked.
3- Remove from heat and stir in cream and Parmesan. Warm gently and serve immediately.

4. One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

This Cajun chicken pasta brings a little heat to the dinner table. Creamy, bold, and full of seasoning, it’s great for anyone who likes their pasta with a kick.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:
1- Heat olive oil and cook chicken with Cajun seasoning until browned.
2- Add pasta and broth and simmer until the pasta is tender.
3- Stir in cream and Parmesan, warm through, and serve.

5. One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

This pesto chicken pasta is fresh, creamy, and packed with herby flavor. It’s a great option when you want something quick that still feels a little special.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pesto
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a pot and cook chicken until lightly browned.
Add pasta and broth and simmer until the pasta is cooked.
Stir in cream, pesto, and Parmesan. Warm gently, season, and serve.

6. One Pot Kielbasa Pasta

Smoky kielbasa pairs perfectly with creamy pasta in this hearty one-pot meal. It’s filling, comforting, and great for busy evenings when you need something substantial.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb kielbasa, sliced
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:
1- Sauté kielbasa in olive oil until browned.
2- Add pasta and broth and simmer until cooked.
3- Stir in cream and cheddar cheese. Warm through and serve.

7. One Pot Lemon Spinach Pasta

Bright and fresh, this lemon spinach pasta is a lighter option that still feels comforting. The lemon adds a nice balance to the creamy sauce, while the spinach keeps it feeling wholesome.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
12 oz linguine
3 cups vegetable broth
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:
1- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add pasta, broth, lemon juice, and zest.
2- Simmer until pasta is cooked and liquid reduces.
3- Stir in spinach, cream, and Parmesan. Warm through and serve.

8. One Pot Veggie Spaghetti

This veggie-packed spaghetti is perfect for meat-free nights. It’s colorful, flavorful, and a great way to get more vegetables into dinner without much effort.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
12 oz spaghetti
3 cups vegetable broth
1 cup marinara sauce
1 zucchini, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup spinach

Instructions:
1- Combine all ingredients except spinach in a large pot and bring to a boil.
2- Simmer until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
3- Add spinach at the end, stir until wilted, and serve.

9. One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This dish turns classic chicken Parmesan flavors into an easy one-pot meal. It’s cheesy, comforting, and always popular with the whole family.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup marinara sauce
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1- Cook chicken with olive oil and Italian seasoning until browned.
2- Add pasta, broth, and marinara sauce and simmer until pasta is cooked.
3- Stir in cheeses, cover briefly to melt, and serve.

10. One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

This fun, family-friendly pasta has all the flavors of a cheeseburger in a cozy bowl. It’s especially popular with kids and great for casual dinners.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
12 oz elbow macaroni
1 lb ground beef
3 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp mustard
Pickles, for garnish
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:
1- Cook ground beef in olive oil until browned and drain excess fat.
2- Add pasta and broth and simmer until pasta is cooked.
3- Stir in cream, cheese, ketchup, and mustard. Warm through and serve.

11. One Pot Creamy Salmon Pasta

This creamy salmon pasta feels fancy without the extra effort. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for when you want something a little different.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
12 oz fettuccine
8 oz salmon, cut into chunks
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions:
1- Cook salmon in olive oil until just done and set aside.
2- Add pasta and broth to the same pot and simmer until tender.
3- Stir in cream, Parmesan, and salmon. Warm gently and garnish.

12. One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

This taco-inspired pasta is bold, cheesy, and quick to make. It’s great for mixing up your usual dinner routine with minimal effort.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef
3 cups beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup salsa

Instructions:
Brown ground beef and stir in taco seasoning.
Add pasta, broth, and salsa and simmer until cooked.
Stir in cream and cheese, warm through, and serve.

13. One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

This pasta brings all the smoky fajita flavors into one comforting dish. It’s colorful, creamy, and great for busy weeknights.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb chicken breast, sliced
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup bell peppers, sliced
1/2 cup onion, sliced
1 tbsp fajita seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:
1- Cook chicken, peppers, and onions with olive oil and seasoning until tender.
2- Add pasta and broth and simmer until cooked.
3- Stir in cream, warm through, and serve.

15. One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Creamy, spicy, and packed with flavor, this buffalo chicken pasta is perfect for anyone who loves bold, saucy meals.

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup hot sauce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:
1- Cook chicken in olive oil until browned.
2- Add pasta, broth, and hot sauce and simmer until cooked.
3- Stir in cream and cheddar cheese. Warm through and serve.