Print

Easy One-Pot Spaghetti Recipe with Cheesy Tomato Sauce for Dinner

one-pot spaghetti recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-pot spaghetti recipe with a creamy cheesy tomato sauce that’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces dried spaghetti, broken in half
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering (about 1 minute). Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, water or broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Nestle broken spaghetti into the tomato mixture, pressing it down gently so it’s mostly submerged. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook about 10 minutes as pasta softens.
  4. Simmer on medium-low heat, loosely covered, stirring every few minutes until pasta is tender and sauce thickens (10-12 minutes). Add water if sauce gets too dry.
  5. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
  6. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top and stir gently.
  7. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side if desired.

Notes

Do not add cheese too early to avoid clumping. Stir gently after adding cheese to keep sauce creamy. Add water or broth if sauce thickens too quickly. Breaking spaghetti helps it fit and cook evenly. Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cheese alternatives for dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot spaghetti, cheesy tomato sauce, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/easy-one-pot-spaghetti-recipe-with-cheesy-tomato-sauce-for-dinner/