Easy Pasta Simple Recipe – 30-Minute One-Pan Dinner

This Pasta Simple Easy recipe is my weeknight lifesaver. It's the dish I turn to when I need something satisfying without a lot of fuss. Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze.

The secret is building flavor with garlic and red pepper flakes, then letting the pasta absorb the sauce as it cooks. It's forgiving, adaptable, and always a hit with my family.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cook, this recipe is foolproof. You'll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.

About the Ingredients

8 oz (225g) spaghetti or your favorite long pasta

Any long pasta works. For a gluten-free option, use chickpea or rice pasta.

2 tablespoons olive oil

Extra virgin olive oil adds the best flavor. You can substitute with avocado oil for a neutral taste.

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Fresh garlic is key. If you're in a pinch, use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, but fresh is better.

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Adjust to your heat preference. Omit if you prefer a milder sauce.

1 (14.5 oz / 410g) can crushed tomatoes

Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. Fire-roasted adds a smoky note.

3 cups (720ml) vegetable broth

Chicken broth works too. For a richer taste, use a good quality stock.

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Italian seasoning blend can be used instead. Fresh oregano (1 tablespoon) is also great.

1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

Sea salt or kosher salt recommended. Adjust based on your broth's saltiness.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick.

1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. For a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast.

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Optional, but adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• Use a large skillet or pot to prevent boiling over and to give the pasta room to cook evenly.
• Stir occasionally, especially towards the end, to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving—the broth and tomatoes vary in saltiness.
• If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.

2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly darkens.

3. Add Broth and Pasta

Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat (212°F / 100°C). Once boiling, add the spaghetti, breaking it in half if needed to fit.

4. Simmer Until Al Dente

Reduce heat to a gentle simmer (about 200°F / 93°C). Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. The sauce should cling to the pasta and be slightly thickened.

5. Adjust Seasoning

Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

6. Serve with Toppings

Divide the pasta among bowls. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if using. Serve hot and enjoy!

Delicious Variations

• Add 1 cup of cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Toss in a handful of baby spinach in the last 2 minutes of cooking until wilted.
• For a creamy version, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream at the end.

How to Store Pasta Simple Easy

Frequently Asked Questions

I hope you love this Pasta Simple Easy recipe as much as we do! If you try it, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Don't forget to share your creations on social media with #PastaSimpleEasy. Happy cooking!

Pasta Simple Easy

Pasta Simple Easy is a comforting one-pan dinner that comes together in 30 minutes with a rich, garlicky tomato sauce—perfect for busy weeknights.

★★★★½ 4.8 (127 ratings)

5 minPrep time18 minCook time4Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or your favorite long pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 (14.5 oz / 410g) can crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups (720ml) vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

📋 Instructions

1. 1Heat the Oil — In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
2. 2Add Tomatoes and Seasonings — Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly darkens.
3. 3Add Broth and Pasta — Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil over high heat (212°F / 100°C). Once boiling, add the spaghetti, breaking it in half if needed to fit.
4. 4Simmer Until Al Dente — Reduce heat to a gentle simmer (about 200°F / 93°C). Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed. The sauce should cling to the pasta and be slightly thickened.
5. 5Adjust Seasoning — Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
6. 6Serve with Toppings — Divide the pasta among bowls. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if using. Serve hot and enjoy!

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: This recipe is a blank canvas—feel free to make it your own. Small steps, big impact.

Servings: 4

Cuisine: Italian-American

Course: Main Course

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat

Written by Maya Chen
Maya writes about sustainable living and zero-waste practices, focusing on small, achievable changes for everyday life. She shares practical tips from her own experiments in reducing waste at home and in her community.