One pot spaghetti for one is the perfect solo dinner when you’re craving comfort food without the cleanup. This easy recipe delivers rich, classic spaghetti flavor in under 25 minutes—all cooked in a single pan. No boiling, no draining, and no mess.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Classic One Pot Spaghetti for One
Let’s be honest—cooking for one isn’t always fun. Between all the dishes and leftover ingredients, it’s easy to skip dinner or grab takeout again. But this one pot spaghetti for one is the antidote to solo meal fatigue.
Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- No need to boil pasta separately
- One pot = way fewer dishes
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Packed with flavor using pantry staples
- Perfect portion size for one person
This is a small-batch, big-flavor win for any solo cook.
Ingredients (Serves One)
You don’t need anything fancy—this is pantry-friendly and flexible:
- 100g (about 3.5 oz) dry spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 1½ cups water or broth
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan and fresh basil (optional)
Tip: If you only have jarred marinara or tomato sauce, use that and adjust the salt.
How to Make One Pot Spaghetti for One
This recipe keeps things incredibly simple—everything goes into one pot.
Step 1: Sauté Your Base
Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan or deep skillet. Add the garlic and onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Step 2: Add the Sauce and Pasta
Stir in crushed tomatoes, water or broth, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Lay the spaghetti directly into the liquid, breaking in half if needed.
Step 3: Simmer Until Perfect
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. The pasta will cook in the sauce and absorb all the flavor.
Step 4: Taste and Serve
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with grated Parmesan and basil if desired.
That’s it. You’ve just made classic one pot spaghetti for one with almost zero cleanup.
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love The Secret to Making One Pot Protein Pasta Taste Amazing—a game-changing guide to boosting flavor and nutrition in your solo pasta dishes.
Why This Method Works (And Why You’ll Love It)
One pot spaghetti for one works because the pasta cooks directly in the sauce—absorbing flavor, releasing starch, and thickening everything naturally. No draining, no wasted flavor, and no juggling multiple pans.
It’s perfect when:
- You’re too tired to cook
- You want comfort food fast
- You don’t want to clean up
- You’re only feeding yourself
This is a practical and delicious solution to all of the above.
Helpful Tips and Troubleshooting
Pasta Not Cooking Evenly?
Make sure the noodles are fully submerged at the start and stir early on to prevent clumping.
Sauce Too Watery?
Let it simmer uncovered a bit longer, stirring occasionally. The pasta starch will naturally thicken it.
Sauce Too Thick?
Add a splash of hot water or broth and stir to loosen.
Pasta Sticking to the Bottom?
Lower your heat and stir more often—especially in the first 5–10 minutes.
Want a Richer Flavor?
Sauté a teaspoon of tomato paste with the garlic and onion, or add a pat of butter at the end.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
The beauty of one pot spaghetti for one is that it’s endlessly customizable.
Want Protein?
- Add ground beef or sausage before adding the sauce
- Stir in cooked chicken or plant-based crumbles toward the end
Add Vegetables
- Mushrooms, chopped spinach, or zucchini can go in while the pasta simmers
- Frozen peas or corn work too—just toss them in near the end
Make It Creamy
- Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese, ricotta, or heavy cream right before serving
Add Heat
- Increase the red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil at the end
Storage and Reheating
Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
Microwave with a splash of water, or reheat gently on the stove, stirring until warm.
Pro Tip: The flavor deepens overnight—leftovers might be even better.
Who Should Try This Recipe
One pot spaghetti for one is ideal for:
- College students
- Solo apartment dwellers
- Remote workers who need a quick lunch
- Anyone who wants real food fast, without dishes
Cooking for yourself doesn’t have to feel like a chore. This makes it easy and rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free spaghetti?
Yes. Just keep an eye on the cook time and stir gently, as gluten-free pasta can break easily.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Store and reheat as needed. Undercook the pasta slightly if planning to reheat later.
Can I use jarred sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes. Use about ¾ cup and reduce the added salt and herbs, since jarred sauces are pre-seasoned.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes, just scale all the ingredients evenly and use a larger pot. Stir often to avoid clumping.
Classic One Pot Spaghetti for One
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
One pot spaghetti for one is the perfect solo dinner—easy, comforting, and made in just one pan with zero mess. Ready in under 25 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
100g dry spaghetti (about 3.5 oz)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
1½ cups water or broth
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon dried basil
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan and fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan or skillet. Add garlic and onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add crushed tomatoes, water or broth, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
3. Place the dry spaghetti in the pan, breaking in half if needed. Make sure it’s submerged in the liquid.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. Once the spaghetti is al dente and the sauce is thickened, adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Serve immediately with Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute jarred pasta sauce for the crushed tomatoes—just reduce the added herbs and salt.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie boost.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed, but monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: one pot spaghetti for one, single serve spaghetti, easy spaghetti for one, one pot pasta recipe
Final Thoughts: Simple, Satisfying, and Totally Doable
If you’re tired of frozen meals or dishes piling up, one pot spaghetti for one is your weeknight hero. It’s warm, comforting, easy to make, and even easier to clean up.
You don’t need to compromise when you cook for one—this recipe proves it.
Follow me for more solo-friendly recipes on Pinterest and X (Twitter) — perfect meals made just for one!
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