If you need a quick and comforting dinner that keeps cleanup to a minimum, this easy one-pot spaghetti recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite.
Tender spaghetti noodles simmer directly in a rich tomato-basil sauce with flavorful Italian sausage, soaking up every bit of savory goodness as they cook.
The result is a hearty pasta dish packed with bold Italian flavor and ready in under 45 minutes.
This simple one-pot meal is perfect for busy evenings when you want homemade comfort food without juggling multiple pots and pans.
The sausage creates a deeply flavorful sauce while the pasta cooks right in the same skillet, making every bite extra rich and satisfying.
Top it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the ultimate cozy dinner everyone will ask for again.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (26-ounce) jar tomato-basil pasta sauce
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 (8-ounce) package spaghetti noodles, broken in half
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Directions
- In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, combine the Italian sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Pour in the tomato-basil pasta sauce, water, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the broken spaghetti noodles and stir to coat them in the sauce. Return to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat slightly and cook for 17 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top if desired.
Chefs Notes
- Swap the Italian sausage for ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a lighter variation.
- Add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra vegetables and flavor.
- If the sauce thickens too much while cooking, stir in a splash of water or broth until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Fresh basil or parsley makes a delicious garnish just before serving.