There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta, and when it’s made in one pot with a delicious sauce and plenty of cheese, it’s even better. Enter the one-pot wonder: a pasta spaghetti sauce casserole that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
The beauty of a one-pot wonder like this is that everything cooks together in just one pot, making for easy cleanup and a stress-free cooking experience. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize the ingredients to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
To start, you’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to cook the pasta. Choose your favorite shape, whether it’s classic spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or something else entirely. Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, you’ll want to drain it and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
For the sauce, you’ll need to sauté onions and garlic in the same pot you used for the pasta. Once they’re softened and fragrant, add in your choice of protein – ground beef, Italian sausage, or even vegetarian crumbles all work well. Brown the meat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Next, it’s time to add the liquids and seasonings. You’ll want to pour in a can of crushed tomatoes, along with some tomato paste for added richness. You can also add in a splash of red wine for extra depth of flavor. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Once the sauce is ready, you can add the cooked pasta back into the pot, stirring to coat it evenly in the sauce. At this point, you can also stir in some fresh basil or spinach for a pop of color and added nutrients.
To finish off the dish, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta. Then, pop the pot into the oven to broil for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
The result is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. The pasta is perfectly cooked, the sauce is rich and flavorful, and the melted cheese on top adds a delicious finishing touch.
Not only is this one-pot wonder delicious, but it’s also a great way to use up ingredients you may already have in your pantry and fridge. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit your tastes – you can add in extra veggies, swap out the protein, or even make it vegan by using plant-based meat and cheese alternatives.
So, the next time you’re craving a comforting pasta dish, give this one-pot wonder a try. It’s a simple and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic spaghetti dinner, with minimal effort and cleanup.
