When Life Gets Busy, Dinner Shouldn't Be Complicated
When life gets hectic, the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes. This One-Pot Parmesan Pasta is your answer—everything cooks together in one pot, creating a creamy, flavourful meal in about 20 minutes. The pasta absorbs the rich chicken broth along with garlic, tomatoes, and fresh basil, resulting in a naturally creamy sauce without the fuss.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
One pot, minimal cleanup. Everything cooks together—no separate pot for boiling pasta, no colander, just one dish to wash.
Ready in 20 minutes. From start to finish, this meal is faster than takeout and infinitely more satisfying.
Flavour-packed. Cooking pasta in broth instead of water infuses every noodle with rich flavour, while the starches create a silky, creamy sauce.
What You'll Need
Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (or Rotel for a kick)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a large, deep skillet or pot, add pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, basil, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken stock and stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil: Set over medium-high heat and bring to a rolling boil. Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes.
- Stir halfway: About 5 minutes in, uncover and give everything a good stir to prevent sticking. Cover and continue cooking until pasta is al dente.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Enjoy immediately!
Pro Tips
- Use a wide pot for even cooking and to prevent clumping.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes richer than pre-grated.
- Stir frequently to prevent sticking and create a creamy sauce.
- Make it your own: Add spinach, mushrooms, grilled chicken, or shrimp.
- Too thick? Add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This One-Pot Parmesan Pasta is comfort food made simple. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel like you've got things under control, even on the busiest days. Quick, delicious, and with only one pot to clean—what more could you ask for?
Bon appétit! 🍝
February 1, 2026