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Home » Recipe Collections

The 24 One-Pot Pasta Dishes That Turn Weeknights Around

Published: Apr 9, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

One pot pasta dishes are the perfect way to turn busy weeknights around. With just one pot and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a great dinner in no time, making your evenings way less stressful. These recipes are a great way to keep things easy, tasty, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re quick, simple, and don’t require a ton of cleanup, so you can spend more time doing the things you enjoy.

Italian Penne Rosa Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Straight view of cooked one-pot lemon ricotta pasta garnished with rocket and fresh basil leaves placed in a white plate with a fork on the side.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon ricotta pasta is a light, creamy one-pot meal that comes together quickly. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast and easy.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Spicy Alfredo Pasta

An overhead iimage of two spicy alfredo pasta in a white plate.
Spicy Alfredo Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Spicy Alfredo sauce makes for a simple one-pot pasta dish that’s full of flavor. The creamy red pepper base adds a kick, making it a great choice for easy meals.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Sun-dried tomato pasta is a rich, creamy dish that cooks in just 30 minutes. A one-pot meal that keeps dinner simple with minimal cleanup, making it a great weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of two bowls of mac and cheese with a fork beside each.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Slow cooker mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy dish that’s completely hands-off. Just toss in the ingredients, and let it cook while you focus on other things.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Leek and Mushroom Pasta

An overhead image of cooked leek mushroom pasta in a pan.
Leek and Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Leek and mushroom pasta is a light, creamy dish made with fresh herbs and ricotta. It all comes together in one pot in just 40 minutes, making dinner quick and hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Leek and Mushroom Pasta

Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Overhead image of a plate of creamy Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Broccoli cheddar mac and cheese is creamy and cheesy, made all in one pot. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a fast and comforting meal perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Mac And Cheese

Italian Penne Rosa Pasta

Italian Penne Rosa Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Penne rosa pasta features a creamy tomato sauce that comes together in one pot. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something flavorful with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Italian Penne Rosa Pasta

Bolognese

Bolognese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Instant Pot Bolognese sauce is a quick way to enjoy the deep, rich flavors of this Italian classic. It’s a great choice when you’re short on time but still want something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Bolognese

Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

One-pot pasta with spinach and tomatoes is an easy meal that incorporates fresh ingredients. This quick dish helps ease the stress of busy nights while offering comforting flavors.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes

Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese with ground turkey in a pot.
Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Turkey mac and cheese is a creamy, one-pot dish that’s great for fall dinners. It’s quick to prepare, saves time in the kitchen, and keeps cleanup to a minimum.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Skillet Mac and Cheese

Creamy Garlic & Herb Pasta

Creamy Garlic & Herb Pasta. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Fresh basil, dill, and parsley bring bright flavors to this creamy vegan aioli. A versatile spread or dip that pairs well with many dishes, it’s a great choice for easy meals.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic & Herb Pasta

Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs

Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This one-pot pasta with Mediterranean meatballs is quick to prepare and packed with Mediterranean flavors. It’s a dinner favorite and even better as leftovers—if any remain.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Mediterranean Meatballs

Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Garlic Parmesan Pasta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Garlic parmesan pasta turns simple ingredients into a creamy, one-pot meal. This rich dish brings bold flavors to your table without making dinner complicated.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Pasta

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet is a comforting one-pot meal with chicken, vegetables, and orzo pasta. It's simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo

Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Broccoli Rabe and Sausage in a serving bowl with tomatoes in the background.
Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crumbled sausage adds bold flavor to this one-pot pasta, making it both hearty and budget-friendly. It's a great choice for nights when you're short on time.
Get the Recipe: Sausage & Broccoli Rabe Pasta

Ninja Foodi Spaghetti

Ninja Foodi Spaghetti. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Ninja Foodi spaghetti is a one-pot meal with minimal prep. It’s a great way to get a classic dish on the table fast with easy cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Foodi Spaghetti

One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

Two bowls of one pot cheesy taco pasta.
One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cheesy taco pasta is a comforting one-pot meal with quick prep. It’s an easy choice for busy nights, and cleanup is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta

Instant Pot Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Instant Pot Blackened Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Instant Pot blackened chicken alfredo is a family favorite, combining juicy chicken and creamy pasta in one pot. It’s a comforting meal that’s ready in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Blackened Chicken Alfredo

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

A plate of Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta is a crockpot meal that combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce. It’s a hands-off solution when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Pasta

Cheesy Penne

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne with meat sauce and parmesan cheese.
Cheesy Penne. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Slow Cooker Cheesy Penne brings together ground beef, tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese in one dish. A hands-off way to prepare a comforting meal with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Penne

Simple Cheeseburger Pasta

Close-up image of cheeseburger pasta in a black pan.
Simple Cheeseburger Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Cheeseburger pasta combines ground beef, cheese, and pasta in one pot. A filling and fast meal that gets dinner on the table quickly.
Get the Recipe: Simple Cheeseburger Pasta

Meatball Pasta Bake

A casserole dish with meatballs and pasta.
Meatball Pasta Bake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

The easy meatball casserole requires just one pan—combine, stir, and bake. It’s a straightforward recipe that saves time while delivering a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Meatball Pasta Bake

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Stovetop Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Stovetop mac and cheese is a cheesy and gooey one-pot dish. With a rich sauce and tender pasta, it’s simple to make and always a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Spicy Roasted Red Pepper and Chipotle Pumpkin Seed Pasta Bowl

Spicy Roasted Red Pepper and Chipotle Pumpkin Seed Pasta Bowl. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This gluten-free and vegan pasta is made with roasted red peppers and chipotle pepper. Topped with pepitas and nutritional yeast, it’s a bold, spicy, and healthy comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Roasted Red Pepper and Chipotle Pumpkin Seed Pasta Bowl

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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