07.30.19

One-Pot “Yummy Pasta”

One-Pot "Yummy Pasta"

Here is a recipe that I shared on Instagram stories recently with you that you all just loved, and we all agreed it needed its place on the blog. This is One-Pot “Yummy Pasta” is one of those go-to weeknight recipes I make for my kids (big kids love it, too, so it’s all good if you’re an adult). It’s 4 simple ingredients cooked all in one pot with a result of simple deliciousness! I kinda like to think of it as a cleaned-up spaghetti-o. 

One-Pot "Yummy Pasta" One-Pot "Yummy Pasta"

My kids, who adore this One-Pot “Yummy Pasta” dish, are the ones that coined the term “yummy pasta” and it’s been on a regular rotation for them. It’s a tried and true go-to and one that I know you all will love making for your… *cough* kids 😉

For more one-pot meals, try my One-Pot Hamburger Helper Beef Stroganoff, One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta or One-Pot Penne Alfredo Pasta.

One-Pot "Yummy Pasta"

One-Pot "Yummy Pasta"
Serves: 2 people
Print
5 from 12 votes
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time20 mins

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine the (uncooked) pasta, milk, marinara, and water in a large saucepan. Stir until well combined and then turn heat to high. Bring the contents to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the salt and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed and there is a nice, thick sauce, 12-15 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and serve and enjoy!

Notes

Reheating hack: to reheat this pasta, I like to toss it in a skillet with 1/4 cup of either milk or water over medium heat, stirring, until the pasta is rehydrated and warm and the excess liquid has absorbed.

36 Comments

  • Reply
    Krysti
    January 14, 2023 at 3:46 am

    Could this work with kettle & fire tomato soup instead of marinara sauce?

    • Reply
      Alex
      January 16, 2023 at 8:13 pm

      Yes, that should work fine for it to all come together, but the flavor of course will be a bit different.

  • Reply
    EP
    September 20, 2022 at 10:19 pm

    5 stars
    Couldn’t be easier or more delicious! I used nutpods in place of milk. They broke up slightly, but with plenty of stirring the sauce ended up nice and creamy. I grated in one carrot (kids, man) and increased the liquid just slightly. This one will be on repeat!

    • Reply
      Alex
      September 21, 2022 at 4:41 pm

      A great tip to get some added veggies in there!

  • Reply
    Read
    August 3, 2022 at 1:39 am

    Could I use full fat milk for this recipe?

    • Reply
      Alex
      August 7, 2022 at 2:57 pm

      yes you can!

  • Reply
    Kerianne
    July 7, 2022 at 4:24 pm

    I’m trying to make this recipe now but it doesn’t seem like the liquid is absorbing at all. It’s been 20 minutes. Any thoughts on what I’m doing wrong?

    • Reply
      Alex
      July 7, 2022 at 4:34 pm

      How strange! What type of pasta are you using? That could make a difference. You can also try to increase the heat slightly.

      • Reply
        Tasha
        July 11, 2022 at 10:10 pm

        Cooking today with Banza cavatappi, it’s the pasta made from chickpeas. Any ideas?

        • Reply
          Alex
          July 13, 2022 at 7:01 pm

          It works with Banza, I don’t love the final flavor as much but it does work the same/method wise.

  • Reply
    Jenni
    February 9, 2022 at 2:27 am

    5 stars
    This was easier than making boxed Mac and cheese! One kid rated it a 30 out of 10, another kid went back for thirds. So simple and good. We are from Chicago so you know we had to add some Vienna beef hot dogs cut up, but I ate mine without & it was still perfect. Thanks for making tonight easy!

  • Reply
    Lauren
    February 1, 2022 at 6:15 pm

    I made this with vodka sauce and added some parm to it. My 2 and a half year old has barely been eating anything but pb&js lately but had three helpings of this! Will she do that again if I make it? Probably not but that’s toddlers. Thank you Alex!

  • Reply
    Tess
    January 18, 2022 at 12:50 am

    5 stars
    I found this recipe on your blog gosh maybe two years ago now it has been a staple ever since! So easy to make and delicious!

  • Reply
    Megan
    December 21, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    Hi, so excited to try this!! Do you know if it freezes well?! I am planning to double it and freeze half! Thanks 🙂

    • Reply
      Alex
      December 22, 2021 at 1:17 am

      I don’t think it freezes very well, honestly! It’s just the dairy + pasta don’t hold up as well in the freezer.

  • Reply
    Audrey K.
    September 15, 2021 at 2:06 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is soooo good. My two toddlers enjoy it just as much as my husband and I. Raos is a game changer – the taste is unparalleled to other jarred marinara sauces. Easy to add in veggies too – our favorites to add are asparagus, and/or grated zucchini/squash.

  • Reply
    Kaddie
    July 21, 2021 at 1:44 am

    5 stars
    Most definitely added (organic, all natural Applegate) hot dog for a true nostalgic experience and it was amazing. Used oat milk no problem!

    • Reply
      Alex
      July 21, 2021 at 5:19 pm

      heck yes, yum!!!

  • Reply
    Amy
    July 20, 2021 at 8:11 pm

    Love this pasta!!!!!

  • Reply
    Michelle
    July 13, 2021 at 12:37 pm

    This was SO simple and SO delicious!!

  • Reply
    Chris T.
    May 9, 2021 at 11:10 pm

    5 stars
    Great for picky eaters! I doubled the recipe, added some meatballs, and used rotini since I’ve had some few boxes in my pantry. My family liked it a lot! You do have to cook it a little longer for the meatballs, so my pasta was a little too tender but it didn’t make a real difference.

  • Reply
    Lauren
    February 19, 2021 at 12:09 am

    This is officially on rotation in our house! My husband and I love it as much as our two toddlers! Simple and delicious.

    • Reply
      Alyson Calo
      March 7, 2021 at 5:45 pm

      5 stars
      Easy and delicious! My toddler loves it. I usually do almond milk!

      • Reply
        Sanaa
        July 10, 2022 at 6:33 pm

        How do you think almond milk would hold up? Lactose intolerant. Thanks!

        • Reply
          Alex
          July 12, 2022 at 5:22 pm

          A few people have tried with almond milk and have been successful!

  • Reply
    Sarah
    February 18, 2021 at 10:33 pm

    5 stars
    Easy and quick! Can’t beat it on a night when you need simple and have a hungry family.

  • Reply
    Caroline
    February 18, 2021 at 3:05 am

    5 stars
    Honestly can’t beat the simplicity! Love it!

  • Reply
    Anna
    January 15, 2021 at 2:23 am

    5 stars
    I love this recipe, so simple and delicious!

  • Reply
    Molly
    December 15, 2020 at 1:40 pm

    5 stars
    I love this pasta. Quick, easy, and oh so comforting!

    • Reply
      Andrea F
      September 10, 2022 at 3:09 am

      I added ground beef to this for some protein. Hamburger helper vibes but so easy and so good!

  • Reply
    Shelley
    December 12, 2020 at 2:36 pm

    Has anyone tried this in an instant pot?

  • Reply
    Claire
    November 24, 2020 at 8:24 pm

    5 stars
    My family loves this recipe!! I usually use regular milk but tried it with Ripple recently and it didn’t taste much different – was still delicious.

  • Reply
    Megan
    November 8, 2020 at 6:42 pm

    Has anyone made this with almond milk

    • Reply
      Alex
      November 9, 2020 at 12:56 pm

      yes!! it works for sure. I wont lie– when I do this my kids notice and don’t like it; however, I think it’s great if you really need a DF alternative.

    • Reply
      Trisha Wells
      December 30, 2020 at 2:31 am

      Has anyone made this with Banza penne pasta? I want to make this & that’s what I got!

      • Reply
        Alex
        December 30, 2020 at 5:44 pm

        Yes, people do this all the time and say it’s still good

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