3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta
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Want a tasty meal without the fuss? You’re in luck! This 3-ingredient one pot pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. You can whip up a delicious dinner in just 45 minutes using only ground beef, marinara sauce, and pasta. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
No need to dirty multiple pots and pans. Everything cooks together in one pot, creating a rich, flavorful sauce that coats every bite of pasta. Plus, cleanup is a breeze. Give this easy recipe a try and see how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple one-pot pasta:
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 jar (about 25 ounces) marinara sauce
- 12 ounces pasta (rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle work well)
- Water (about 4 cups)
For optional garnish:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
That’s it! With just these few ingredients, you can create a tasty and filling meal. The recipe is flexible, so feel free to use your favorite type of pasta or marinara sauce.
Remember to have a large pot or Dutch oven ready for cooking. You’ll also need a wooden spoon for breaking up the meat and stirring the pasta.
Instructions
Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook for about 6 minutes. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Sprinkle in the salt.
Turn the heat down to medium. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir. Fill the empty sauce jar with water and add that too. Mix everything well.
Add your pasta of choice to the pot. Give it a good stir. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer.
Cook for 15 minutes, stirring often so the pasta doesn’t stick. Then add another cup of water and keep cooking. Stir frequently until the pasta is tender, about 15 more minutes.
Your one-pot pasta is ready! Sprinkle some grated parmesan on top if you like. Add a few fresh basil leaves for extra flavor. Serve it up hot and enjoy your easy, tasty meal.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this 3-ingredient pasta dish to suit your tastes. Try swapping ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
For a vegetarian version, use plant-based crumbles or skip the meat altogether.
Mix up the pasta shapes – penne, fusilli, or shells work great too. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are good alternatives.
Instead of marinara, use your favorite pasta sauce like arrabbiata for extra spice or creamy alfredo for richness.
Add veggies like diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for more nutrition. Toss in some garlic or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Top with different cheeses like mozzarella or pecorino romano. Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley make tasty garnishes.
For a creamier dish, stir in some heavy cream or cream cheese at the end of cooking. A splash of red wine can deepen the flavor too.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with this versatile recipe. The options are endless!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot to prevent burning. Stir the pasta often to keep it from sticking to the bottom.
Add extra veggies like diced onions or bell peppers when cooking the meat for more flavor and nutrition.
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The pasta may absorb more sauce as it sits.
To reheat, add a bit of water and warm on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to redistribute the sauce.
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Try different pasta shapes or swap ground beef for Italian sausage to switch things up.
For a vegetarian version, use plant-based crumbles or extra veggies instead of meat.
