15 One Pot Pasta Recipes for Easy Weeknight Meals

One pot pasta recipes are amongst my favorite go-to choices for those weeknights when I need something deliciously satisfying on the table without any fuss, and most importantly, without creating a whole load of washing up! 

This collection features some of the simplest pasta dishes you’ll ever make at home, and they definitely don’t compromise when it comes to flavor. From classic creamy tomato, to bold and spicy chicken fajita pasta, these meals are guaranteed to become family favorites and earn a place in your regular recipe rotation. 

You’ll notice that for most of these recipes, you’ll be cooking your pasta shapes in broth instead of plain water. This technique might seem a little unusual if you haven’t tried it before, but trust me – it works! It adds flavor to the pasta, and it also means that you don’t have to create the base of your sauce in a separate pan. I’m a big fan of anything that makes dinner a little easier, and once you’ve tried it, I think you’ll be converted too! Without any further ado, let’s get down to the recipes… 

1. One Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta

This classic creamy tomato pasta is comforting, easy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast, and it’s always a hit with the fussy eaters in my family! 

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. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add pasta, broth, and marinara sauce. Stir and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked and sauce thickens (about 12 minutes).
4. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Return to a low heat until warmed through to your liking. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

2. One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

A creamy pesto sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta—all cooked together in one pot for a quick, flavor-packed meal. Simple but so tasty!

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:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Cook chicken until lightly browned.
2. Add pasta and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is tender (12–15 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Return to a low heat until warmed through to your liking. Season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

3. One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta

This Chicken Parmesan Pasta has all the flavors of the classic dish—crispy chicken, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese—but in one simple pot. Oh so moreish, and I can never resist going back for seconds!

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. Heat olive oil in a pot. Cook chicken with Italian seasoning until browned.
2. Add pasta, broth, and marinara. Bring to a boil and simmer until pasta is cooked.
3. Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cover and let rest until cheese is melted. Serve warm, garnished with a little extra parmesan, if you like.

4. One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible, this pasta might just make someone fall in love. Failing that, it’s a great way to feed the family! 

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 pot and cook chicken until golden.
2. Add pasta, broth, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until pasta is tender.
3. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Return to a very low heat until warmed through to your liking. Serve with extra cheese.

5. One Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

Spicy, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this Cajun Chicken Pasta is a bold twist on a classic favorite. If you like extra spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes just before serving. 

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 in a pot. Cook chicken with Cajun seasoning until browned.
2. Add pasta and broth. Simmer until pasta is tender.
3. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Return to a low heat until warmed through to your liking. Serve warm.

6. One Pot Kielbasa Pasta

Smoky kielbasa, tender pasta, and a creamy sauce come together in this hearty dish. Not familiar with kielbasa? It’s a Polish sausage that’s coarse, garlicky, and works great in tons of meals, so I often have some in my fridge for whipping up quick meals. If you prefer, you can substitute for any kind of sausage. 

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. Heat olive oil and sauté kielbasa until browned.
2. Add pasta and broth. Simmer until pasta is cooked.
3. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Return to a low heat until warmed through. Serve warm.

7. One Pot Veggie Spaghetti

Packed with colorful vegetables and tossed in a light tomato sauce, this Veggie Spaghetti is a fresh and healthy dinner. Always a good choice for Meat Free Mondays!

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. Bring to a boil.
2. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. Toss in spinach at the end and serve.

8. One Pot Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

Garlicky, buttery, and packed with Parmesan, this is the ultimate comfort food! 

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 and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Add pasta and broth. Simmer until pasta is cooked.
3. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Return to a low heat until warmed through. Serve immediately.

9. One Pot Lemon Spinach Pasta

Light, zesty, and packed with greens, this Lemon Spinach Pasta is perfect for a quick, healthy meal.

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 over medium heat.
2. Add pasta, broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked and liquid has reduced.
4. Remove from heat and stir in spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Warm through on low heat. Toss until spinach is wilted. Serve warm.

10. One Pot Cheeseburger Pasta

All the flavors of a cheeseburger in a cozy, cheesy pasta dish. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike!

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. Heat olive oil in a pot and cook ground beef until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add pasta and broth. Stir and bring to a boil. Simmer until pasta is cooked.
3. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, ketchup, and mustard. Warm through on low heat. Serve immediately, garnished with pickles.

11. One Pot Creamy Salmon Pasta

Rich and luxurious, this Creamy Salmon Pasta combines tender salmon with a velvety cream sauce for an elegant meal.

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. Heat olive oil in a large pot and cook salmon chunks until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2. Add pasta and broth to the same pot. Stir and simmer until pasta is tender and liquid has reduced.
3. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and salmon. Warm through on low heat. Toss gently and serve, garnished with parsley.

12. One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

This Cheesy Taco Pasta is loaded with bold Tex-Mex flavors and comes together in no time at all!  Perfect if you love experimenting with flavors and trying new fusion dishes. 

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:

1. Brown ground beef in a large pot. Drain excess fat and add taco seasoning.
2. Add pasta, broth, and salsa. Bring to a boil and simmer until pasta is cooked.
3. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Warm through. Serve with fresh cilantro or tortilla chips, if you like, for extra crunch!

13. One Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta

This Chicken Fajita Pasta brings the smoky flavors of fajitas into a creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknights! A fantastic option if you’re bored of your usual meals but love fajitas. 

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. Heat olive oil in a pot. Cook chicken, peppers, and onions with fajita seasoning until tender.
2. Add pasta and broth. Simmer until pasta is cooked and liquid reduces.
3. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream. Warm through on low. Serve warm with extra fajita toppings.

14. One Pot Ham and Pea Pasta

This comforting Ham and Pea Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for using up leftover ham. I used to enjoy this recipe as a kid, and many years later, I’m still eating it on a regular basis! It’s comfort food at its simple best. 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 12 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
• 1 cup diced ham
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and cook ham until lightly browned.
2. Add pasta and broth. Simmer until pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.
3. Remove from heat and stir in peas, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Warm through on a low heat. Toss and serve immediately.

15. One Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta

Creamy, spicy, and cheesy, this Buffalo Chicken Pasta is perfect for fans of bold flavors.

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 (like Frank’s)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and cook chicken until browned.
2. Add pasta, broth, and hot sauce. Stir and bring to a boil. Simmer until pasta is cooked.
3. Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Warm through on a low heat. Serve warm.

These one-pot pasta recipes are the ultimate weeknight saviors. With so much variety, there’s a dish for every craving, and cleanup is a breeze!