Low Carb One Pot Spaghetti for One

Name: Low Carb One Pot Spaghetti for One
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 1–2 oz low-carb spaghetti (chickpea, high-protein, or veggie-based); 1/3 cup marinara sauce (no added sugar); 1/4 cup broth (beef, veggie, or chicken); 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tsp olive oil; 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional); 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; Chili flakes (optional); Optional add-ins: spinach, mushrooms, cooked chicken

Enjoying a warm bowl of pasta doesn’t require a large gathering. With only one pot to clean and fewer carbohydrates, this Low Carb One Pot Spaghetti for One offers traditional flavor. A fulfilling solitary meal that feels like a minor victory at the end of the day no guesswork, no draining, and no leftovers.

Low Carb One Pot Spaghetti for One served in white bowl on counter — A solo bowl of low carb one pot spaghetti on a clean kitchen counter

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You’re not alone if you’ve ever attempted to make spaghetti for one person and ended up with an overabundance of soggy leftovers or a sink full of dishes. As a lone home cook, I’ve tried dozens of small-batch pasta dishes, and this low carb spaghetti recipe is the only one you’ll need. It’s quick, flavorful, and actually scaled for one without skimping on comfort.

This post will teach you how to make a quick, satisfying, and precisely portioned low-carb version of one-pot spaghetti. To help you stick to your diet without compromising taste, you’ll also receive advice, ingredient substitutions, and a brief comparison of carbohydrates.

One-Pot Spaghetti Solves More Than Just Dinner

A single pan, fewer carbs, and zero waste

The first time I made traditional spaghetti for one, I ended up with enough pasta to feed a volleyball team—and a mountain of dishes. If you’ve been there, this Low Carb One Pot Spaghetti for One is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. It trims the cleanup, skips the colander, and uses lighter ingredients without sacrificing the saucy, comforting feel you crave at the end of a long day.

Instead of boiling pasta separately, everything—sauce, noodles, protein—cooks in the same pot. That means no juggling pans, no draining, and fewer chances of overcooking. For a lower carb option, I use high-fiber pasta (like chickpea or protein spaghetti), but you can also go with spiralized veggie noodles if you’re really watching your count. Either way, you still get real spaghetti texture and flavor, without the carb crash.

Why this method works better for solo meals

One-pot cooking isn’t just a shortcut—it actually helps the flavors marry together. When pasta cooks in the same liquid as your sauce and seasonings, it soaks in every bit of flavor instead of just water. That’s a huge win for solo meals, where you want maximum taste in minimal effort.

And portioning? Easy. You cook what you eat, and there’s no awkward half-jars of sauce or leftover noodles getting gummy in the fridge.

What goes into Low Carb One Pot Spaghetti for One

When cooking solo, every ingredient counts—and so does storage space. The best part of this Low Carb One Pot Spaghetti for One recipe is how flexible it is. You probably have most of the essentials already. Here’s the simple breakdown:

Ingredient	Solo-Friendly Tip
1–2 oz low-carb spaghetti (chickpea, high-protein, or veggie-based)	Break it in half for faster cooking and better sauce absorption
1/3 cup marinara sauce (no added sugar)	Look for jars labeled “keto” or use homemade
1/4 cup broth (beef, veggie, or chicken)	Adds flavor depth vs. just water
1 clove garlic, minced	Fresh always wins, but jarred garlic works too
Seasonings: Italian blend, salt, pepper, chili flakes (optional)	Control your spice level and adjust for taste
1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)	Adds umami and richness without heavy cream

If you like a little extra protein, ground turkey or lean beef are perfect solo portions—just 2–3 oz sautéed before adding your sauce works great. Or try the veggie-packed method I use in this vegan one pot spaghetti for one for a lighter feel that still satisfies.

Let’s talk carbs: How low is “low carb”?

Here’s where things get interesting. “Low carb” means different things to different eaters. For solo dinners like this Low Carb One Pot Spaghetti for One, portion control and pasta choice make all the difference. Here’s a quick look:

Pasta Type	Net Carbs (per 2 oz dry)
Traditional Spaghetti	~42g
Chickpea or Lentil Pasta	~30g
High-Protein Low-Carb Pasta (e.g., Fiber Gourmet, Palmini)	~17g
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)	~4g

So even if you’re not strict keto, using half the pasta and adding veggies or protein helps lower the impact without sacrificing that saucy payoff. I take this same balance approach in my gluten-free one pot spaghetti—it’s all about smart swaps, not sacrifice.

How to Cook Low Carb One Pot Spaghetti for One (Step-by-Step)

From stovetop to fork in 20 minutes

Here’s where the magic of Low Carb One Pot Spaghetti for One really happens. No boiling separate pots, no waiting for water to heat. You toss everything in one small pan, stir occasionally, and you’re done. It’s solo-cooking gold.

Here’s your no-fuss method:

Sauté flavor starters. Add 1 tsp olive oil to a small skillet or saucepan. Toss in minced garlic and a pinch of chili flakes. Sauté on medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add sauce and broth. Pour in 1/3 cup marinara and 1/4 cup broth. Stir well.
Add dry pasta. Break your low carb spaghetti in half and drop it straight into the pot. Make sure it’s mostly submerged in the sauce mix.
Simmer & stir. Bring to a light simmer. Stir every 2–3 minutes to prevent sticking. Add a splash more broth or water if needed.
Check texture. At 8–10 minutes, test the noodles. They should be tender but not mushy. High-fiber pastas might need 1–2 more minutes.
Finish strong. Turn off the heat. Stir in grated Parmesan, taste, and adjust seasoning.

Tips to make it even easier (or tastier)

No sticking allowed. Stir early and often—especially in the first 5 minutes. It helps prevent your spaghetti from clumping.
Too thick? Add an extra splash of broth at the end to loosen the sauce.
Too watery? Let it simmer uncovered for the final 2 minutes to reduce.
Want more creaminess? Stir in a spoonful of ricotta or cottage cheese off heat.
Make it a meal. A handful of baby spinach or chopped chicken breast can turn it into a full dinner with barely any extra work.

By the end, you’ll have a warm, saucy bowl of Low Carb One Pot Spaghetti for One that tastes like you put in way more effort than you did. And the only thing left to wash is one pot and a fork. That’s what I call dinner done right.

FAQ

Can I make low-carb spaghetti in one pot without draining?

Absolutely. That’s the beauty of Low Carb One Pot Spaghetti for One—no draining required. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce and broth, absorbing flavor as it softens. As long as you stir regularly and keep an eye on the liquid, it cooks perfectly without a strainer in sight.

What’s the best low-carb pasta substitute for spaghetti?

For this recipe, high-fiber or high-protein pasta like chickpea spaghetti, Fiber Gourmet, or edamame noodles work best. They hold their shape and absorb sauce well. Zucchini noodles are great too, especially if you’re keeping things extra light. Just reduce the cook time and liquid since zoodles release moisture on their own.

How do you keep one-pot spaghetti from sticking?

Stir often in the first few minutes, and make sure your pasta is evenly coated in liquid. Using a small pan also helps, so the sauce stays close and coats everything evenly.

How many carbs are in one serving of one-pot spaghetti?

It depends on the pasta type. If you use traditional pasta, expect around 40–45g of net carbs per serving. But with low-carb options, you can get it down to 15–20g per bowl—or even less if you go full veggie like spiralized zucchini.

Wrapping It Up

Cooking spaghetti for one doesn’t have to mean leftovers, sticky pots, or high-carb guilt. With the right swaps, you can make Low Carb One Pot Spaghetti for One that hits all the right notes—rich, filling, and ready in under 20 minutes.

It’s become a regular in my solo dinner lineup for good reason: minimal cleanup, customizable ingredients, and enough comfort to keep you going. Whether you’re low-carb curious or already living that lifestyle, this is one bowl you’ll keep coming back to.

Love solo meals like this? Follow me on Pinterest and X (Twitter) for more easy, low-carb recipes made just for one.

Low Carb One Pot Spaghetti for One: Classic, Fast, No Mess