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.
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"

Ingredients
- 2 cups dried fusilli pasta (I use Jovial Brown Rice Pasta)
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 cup jarred marinara (I use Rao's)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp kosher salt, or more to taste
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!
36 Comments
Krysti
January 14, 2023 at 3:46 amCould this work with kettle & fire tomato soup instead of marinara sauce?
Alex
January 16, 2023 at 8:13 pmYes, that should work fine for it to all come together, but the flavor of course will be a bit different.
EP
September 20, 2022 at 10:19 pmCouldn’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!
Alex
September 21, 2022 at 4:41 pmA great tip to get some added veggies in there!
Read
August 3, 2022 at 1:39 amCould I use full fat milk for this recipe?
Alex
August 7, 2022 at 2:57 pmyes you can!
Kerianne
July 7, 2022 at 4:24 pmI’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?
Alex
July 7, 2022 at 4:34 pmHow strange! What type of pasta are you using? That could make a difference. You can also try to increase the heat slightly.
Tasha
July 11, 2022 at 10:10 pmCooking today with Banza cavatappi, it’s the pasta made from chickpeas. Any ideas?
Alex
July 13, 2022 at 7:01 pmIt works with Banza, I don’t love the final flavor as much but it does work the same/method wise.
Jenni
February 9, 2022 at 2:27 amThis 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!
Lauren
February 1, 2022 at 6:15 pmI 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!
Tess
January 18, 2022 at 12:50 amI 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!
Megan
December 21, 2021 at 2:24 pmHi, so excited to try this!! Do you know if it freezes well?! I am planning to double it and freeze half! Thanks 🙂
Alex
December 22, 2021 at 1:17 amI don’t think it freezes very well, honestly! It’s just the dairy + pasta don’t hold up as well in the freezer.
Audrey K.
September 15, 2021 at 2:06 pmThis 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.
Kaddie
July 21, 2021 at 1:44 amMost definitely added (organic, all natural Applegate) hot dog for a true nostalgic experience and it was amazing. Used oat milk no problem!
Alex
July 21, 2021 at 5:19 pmheck yes, yum!!!
Amy
July 20, 2021 at 8:11 pmLove this pasta!!!!!
Michelle
July 13, 2021 at 12:37 pmThis was SO simple and SO delicious!!
Chris T.
May 9, 2021 at 11:10 pmGreat 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.
Lauren
February 19, 2021 at 12:09 amThis is officially on rotation in our house! My husband and I love it as much as our two toddlers! Simple and delicious.
Alyson Calo
March 7, 2021 at 5:45 pmEasy and delicious! My toddler loves it. I usually do almond milk!
Sanaa
July 10, 2022 at 6:33 pmHow do you think almond milk would hold up? Lactose intolerant. Thanks!
Alex
July 12, 2022 at 5:22 pmA few people have tried with almond milk and have been successful!
Sarah
February 18, 2021 at 10:33 pmEasy and quick! Can’t beat it on a night when you need simple and have a hungry family.
Caroline
February 18, 2021 at 3:05 amHonestly can’t beat the simplicity! Love it!
Anna
January 15, 2021 at 2:23 amI love this recipe, so simple and delicious!
Molly
December 15, 2020 at 1:40 pmI love this pasta. Quick, easy, and oh so comforting!
Andrea F
September 10, 2022 at 3:09 amI added ground beef to this for some protein. Hamburger helper vibes but so easy and so good!
Shelley
December 12, 2020 at 2:36 pmHas anyone tried this in an instant pot?
Claire
November 24, 2020 at 8:24 pmMy 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.
Megan
November 8, 2020 at 6:42 pmHas anyone made this with almond milk
Alex
November 9, 2020 at 12:56 pmyes!! 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.
Trisha Wells
December 30, 2020 at 2:31 amHas anyone made this with Banza penne pasta? I want to make this & that’s what I got!
Alex
December 30, 2020 at 5:44 pmYes, people do this all the time and say it’s still good