The Recipe · No.871 · One-Pot Pasta

One-Pot Pasta, and Where to Source It

Use just enough liquid that it's almost all absorbed by the time the pasta's done. The pasta cooks in the sauce and its released starch thickens everything into a glossy coat — measure the liquid so you're left with sauce, not soup, and stir now and then so it doesn't stick.

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Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep5 min
Cook20 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineItalian
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge Level Easy
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
Suits
Vegan
Contains  gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
Straight Answers
Can you make One-Pot Pasta in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert

Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.

Can you freeze One-Pot Pasta? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make One-Pot Pasta ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is One-Pot Pasta gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).

Is One-Pot Pasta vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

Part One
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Pasta
A long or short dried pasta. A good bronze-die pasta.
1 lb
Source it →
Canned tomatoes
Crushed tomatoes plus garlic and onion for the sauce. A sweet, low-acid tomato.
1 can (28 oz)
Source it →
Broth or water
Measured so it nearly all absorbs. A good bone broth adds depth.
3 cups
Source it →
One list, with a link to where to buy each one.
Part Two
The Method
  1. CombinePut the pasta, tomatoes, aromatics, and measured liquid in a wide pot.
  2. SimmerBring to a boil, then simmer, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened into sauce.
  3. AdjustAdd a splash more liquid if it dries before the pasta's done.
  4. FinishStir in parmesan and basil off the heat.
Part Three
The Toolkit

Wide pot · Wooden spoon · Grater

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.871