Martha Stewart’s One Pot Pasta: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

 

Martha Stewart’s One Pot Pasta: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

If you’re anything like me, you love a delicious, home-cooked meal—but dread the mountain of dishes that comes with it. Enter Martha Stewart’s One Pot Pasta: a game-changing recipe that brings together fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect answer to busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something comforting without the fuss.

Why One Pot Pasta?

The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. Everything—pasta, veggies, seasonings, and water—cooks together in a single pot. The result? Perfectly al dente pasta coated in a silky, flavorful sauce, all ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

12 ounces linguine (or spaghetti)

12 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered if large

1 onion, thinly sliced

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

2 sprigs basil, plus more for garnish

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

4 1/2 cups water

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

How to Make Martha Stewart’s One Pot Pasta:

Combine Everything:

In a large, straight-sided skillet or a Dutch oven, combine the pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, basil, olive oil, 2 teaspoons salt, and a generous amount of pepper. Pour in the water.

Bring to a Boil:

Place the pot over high heat and bring everything to a boil. Stir and turn the pasta frequently with tongs to prevent sticking.

Simmer and Stir:

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue to cook, stirring and turning the pasta frequently, until the pasta is al dente and the water has nearly evaporated—about 9 minutes.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the pot from heat. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with a little more olive oil if you like.

Tips for Success:

Don’t skip the stirring! It helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents sticking.

Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap in whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.

For a protein boost, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans at the end.

Final Thoughts

Martha Stewart’s One Pot Pasta is proof that you don’t need a sink full of dishes to enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal. It’s endlessly customizable and sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own!