ONE-POT SPAGHETTI WITH TOMATO SAUCE
The One-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce is a classic comfort dish reimagined for convenience and health. Cooking everything in one pot means the spaghetti absorbs the flavours of the sauce as it simmers, creating a meal that feels cohesive and deeply satisfying. The whole wheat pasta adds heartiness and fibre, while garlic, onion and dried basil form a fragrant and flavourful base. The olive oil provides richness, and fresh parsley or basil at the end lifts the dish with brightness. The sauce is made with minimal ingredients, little effort and just one pan to wash. This recipe delivers both practicality and taste. The One-Pot Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce is perfect for busy evenings, casual dinners or even a quick solo meal when you crave authentic Italian-inspired comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
One-Pot Wonders, Simmer
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Casual Dinner
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Dairy-Free, High Fibre, Low Fat
DISH TYPE
Pasta
INGREDIENTS
- 75 grams | 2.65 ounces | dried whole wheat spaghetti
- 14 grams | 0.49 ounces | 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 grams | 0.11 ounces | 1 garlic clove, minced
- 20 grams | 0.71 ounces | 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
- 120 grams | 4.23 ounces | ½ cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 180 millilitres | 6.09 fluid ounces | ¾ cup water
- 1 gram | 0.04 ounces | ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 gram | 0.04 ounces | ¼ teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste
- 25 gram | 0.01 ounces | ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper (optional)
- 1 gram | 0.04 ounces | ¼ teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- 2 grams | 0.07 ounces | 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 228 kilocalories
- Carbohydrates: 37.8 grams
- Protein: 7.2 grams
- Fat: 6.7 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1.0 gram
- Sugar: 4.8 grams
- Fibre: 7.3 grams
- Sodium: 402 milligrams
- Potassium: 438 milligrams
- Iron: 2.4 milligrams
- Calcium: 68 milligrams
PREPARATION
- Prepare The Pot: Place a medium-sized saucepan or deep frying pan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm gently for about 30 seconds.
- Cook The Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the garlic turns fragrant without browning.
- Add The Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes and allow them to cook for 3 to 4 minutes. They should release their juices and begin to form the base of the sauce.
- Season The Base: Sprinkle in salt, dried basil, optional black pepper and sugar. Mix well and let the seasoning infuse the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add The Spaghetti: Place the spaghetti into the pan, spreading it evenly across the sauce. Stir immediately to prevent clumping and coat the strands with the tomato mixture.
- Pour The Water: Add the measured water so the spaghetti is just submerged. Stir gently to ensure even coverage.
- Simmer To Cook: Bring the mixture to a light boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover the pan and allow it to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir every 2 to 3 minutes to stop the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Monitor Doneness: Check after 10 minutes and the pasta should be al dente, tender yet firm to bite. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add a splash of water.
- Taste And Adjust: Sample the sauce and adjust salt or pepper as needed before finishing.
- Serve: Remove from heat once the pasta has absorbed the sauce and thickened slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and enjoy hot.
PREPARATION TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
20 minutes
TIPS
- Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. Whole wheat pasta can become mushy if left too long.
- Balance The Flavour: If the tomatoes taste overly sharp, the optional sugar helps round off the acidity.
- Extra Creaminess: Stir through a splash of oat milk, almond milk or another plant-based milk just before serving for a creamier sauce.
- Meal For Two: To double the portion, double all ingredients and increase water slightly if needed. Stir more often to prevent sticking.
- Enhance Aroma: Add a bay leaf or a pinch of oregano to the simmering sauce for deeper flavour.
VARIATIONS
- Protein Boost: Stir in a small portion of cooked lentils, chickpeas or cannellini beans to make the dish more filling.
- Vegetable Additions: Add chopped spinach in the last 2 minutes of cooking, or stir-fry mushrooms and bell peppers at the start with the onion.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a fresh chilli for gentle heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace whole wheat spaghetti with gluten-free pasta and cook until tender.
- Cheesy Flavour: Sprinkle nutritional yeast for a savoury, cheese-like finish, or top with vegan cheese if desired.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with an extra splash of water to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing: Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Meal Preparation Option: Cook in bulk and divide into containers for convenient weekday lunches or dinners.
