Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned diced tomatoes work well in this recipe. Choose low-sodium if using broth that’s already salted. The flavor will be slightly deeper and richer compared to fresh.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or use water and a bouillon cube. Keep an eye on the salt level, as some broths are already seasoned.

Can I add protein like chicken or shrimp?

Absolutely. Add cooked, shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp near the end of the cooking process to keep them tender. This adds both flavor and heartiness.

What should I do if the pasta sticks together while cooking?

Give the pasta a stir every few minutes to prevent sticking, especially in the early stages. Use a wide pan and press the pasta down into the broth to ensure even cooking.

Easy One Pot Spaghetti with Garlic Tomatoes

Name: Easy One Pot Spaghetti with Garlic Tomatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup onion, chopped; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 14 oz fresh tomatoes, diced (Campari or Roma recommended); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon chopped Italian basil; 8 oz uncooked spaghetti; 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley (optional)

Description

This Easy One Pot Spaghetti with Garlic Tomatoes is a quick and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made in a single skillet, this beginner-friendly pasta is loaded with garlic, sweet tomatoes, and herbs, and finished with Parmesan cheese for a comforting, flavorful dinner that’s ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
14 oz fresh tomatoes, diced (Campari or Roma recommended)
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon chopped Italian basil
8 oz uncooked spaghetti
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a wide skillet or pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
Add the Core Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped basil, and uncooked spaghetti. If your pan isn’t wide enough to accommodate whole spaghetti, break it in half to ensure even cooking.
Submerge and Simmer: Press the pasta gently into the liquid with a spatula until fully submerged. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Adjust for Doneness: Check the pasta after 8 minutes. If it’s not quite al dente or the liquid has reduced too much, add a splash more broth and simmer covered for 1–2 additional minutes.
Finish and Serve: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, uncover and stir in salt. Turn off the heat, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned pan to avoid the pasta sticking to the bottom. Stirring gently a few times while cooking helps with even doneness and prevents clumping. For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of cream or a pat of butter at the end. Make it vegan by using vegetable broth and omitting cheese or replacing it with nutritional yeast.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: One-Pot Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 223
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 690mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 6mg