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Easy One-Pan Spaghetti Recipe with Rich Tomato Sauce Perfect for Quick Dinners

easy one-pan spaghetti - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan spaghetti recipe cooked directly in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces dry spaghetti
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes or whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh basil, roughly torn
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop 1 small yellow onion and mince 3 garlic cloves.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  5. Pour in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and stir to combine.
  6. Stir in 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Pour in 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth. Break dry spaghetti in half and add to the sauce, pressing it down so it is submerged.
  8. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  9. Taste pasta at 10 minutes; cook an additional 1-2 minutes if needed until al dente.
  10. Stir in a handful of torn fresh basil leaves once pasta is cooked and sauce is thick.
  11. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Use enough liquid to keep spaghetti mostly submerged for even cooking. Stir gently and regularly to prevent sticking. Adjust salt mid-cook due to broth and canned tomato saltiness. If sauce thickens too much before pasta is done, add a splash of broth or water. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and adjust cooking time. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan spaghetti, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, tomato sauce, weeknight meal, no-drain pasta, simple spaghetti