One-Pot Budget Pasta

There's something magical about a meal that comes together in a single pot—minimal dishes, maximum flavor, and a dinner that practically cooks itself. This One-Pot Budget-Friendly Pasta is the ultimate weeknight hero, combining tender pasta, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite. It's the kind of dish that transforms humble pantry staples into something truly comforting, proving that delicious doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.

Merken

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. As the pasta simmers in savory vegetable broth alongside fresh zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, it absorbs all those wonderful flavors while creating its own silky sauce. The final stir of baby spinach and Parmesan cheese adds a touch of elegance to this humble meal, transforming it into something restaurant-worthy. Whether you're feeding a family on a budget or just want a fuss-free dinner, this one-pot wonder delivers every single time.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) dried penne or fusilli
• Vegetables: 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 400 g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes (with juices); 100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach
• Liquids: 700 ml (3 cups) vegetable broth
• Dairy & Seasonings: 60 g (2 oz) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried Italian herbs; ½ tsp chili flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste

Boil water quickly for tea, coffee, instant soups, and faster prep when cooking grains or noodles.

Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Stir in the zucchini and bell pepper; cook for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Liquids

Add the uncooked pasta, canned tomatoes with their juice, and vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried herbs, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Cheese

Uncover, stir in the baby spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even absorption of the flavorful broth. If the liquid absorbs too quickly before the pasta is tender, simply add a splash more broth or water. Don't skip the final taste test—adjusting the salt, pepper, and cheese at the end ensures perfectly balanced flavors. Use a large pot or Dutch oven with plenty of room, as this allows the pasta to cook evenly and prevents overflow when it comes to a boil.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is wonderfully versatile and welcomes your creativity. Add sliced cooked sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or canned beans for extra protein and heartiness. Swap the vegetables as desired—mushrooms, peas, or carrots all work beautifully. For a different flavor profile, try whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta. If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese along with the Parmesan. For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this comforting pasta hot, garnished with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a crack of fresh black pepper. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, or crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce. For a complete meal, add a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep—it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Merken

With just one pot, a handful of affordable ingredients, and thirty minutes, you can create a meal that's both satisfying and impressive. This Budget-Friendly Pasta proves that great cooking doesn't require fancy techniques or expensive ingredients—just a little care, some fresh vegetables, and the willingness to let simple flavors shine. Whether it's a busy Tuesday evening or a relaxed weekend dinner, this dish will quickly become your go-to comfort food.

Bake charming cakes, quick breads, and molded desserts that release cleanly for effortless decorating.

Check price on Amazon

Fragen rund um das Rezept

→ Wie kann ich die Pasta glutenfrei zubereiten?

Verwenden Sie glutenfreie Pasta als Ersatz und achten Sie darauf, dass alle weiteren Zutaten ebenfalls glutenfrei sind.

→ Welche Gemüsesorten passen gut zu diesem Gericht?

Zucchini, Paprika, Spinat sind ideal, aber auch Pilze, Erbsen oder Karotten passen hervorragend.

→ Wie erhalte ich eine besondere Würze ohne Chili?

Italienische Kräuter und frischer Knoblauch verleihen dem Gericht eine feine Würze ohne Schärfe.

→ Wie lange dauert die Zubereitung insgesamt?

Die gesamte Zubereitungszeit beträgt etwa 30 Minuten – inklusive Kochen und Vorbereitung.

→ Kann das Gericht mit tierischen Produkten ergänzt werden?

Ja, geschnittene Bratwurst oder Pulled Chicken können für mehr Protein hinzugefügt werden.