One-Pot "Yummy Pasta" - The Defined Dish Recipes

Name: One-Pot "Yummy Pasta"
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups dried fusilli pasta, (such as Jovial Brown Rice Pasta); 1 cup 2% milk, (room temperature); 1 cup jarred marinara sauce, (such as Rao's); 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, (plus more to taste)

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I first shared this recipe on Instagram but everyone agreed that it deserved a permanent place on the blog. This One-Pot “Yummy Pasta” is one of those go-to weeknight recipes I make for my kids all the time—and okay, myself and Clayton too.

My kids, who adore this dish, are the ones that coined the term “yummy pasta” and it’s been on a regular rotation for them. I like to think of it as a more wholesome, homemade version of SpaghettiOs that still has the same satisfying taste. It’s a tried and true go-to and one that I know you all will love making for your *cough* kids 😉

In addition to just how yummy it is, I love it as a mom because the recipe calls for five ingredients total, everything comes together in one pot, and it’s on the table within 20 minutes. It really doesn’t get better than that!

ingredients:

Dried Fusilli Pasta
2% Milk
Jarred Marinara Sauce
Water
Kosher Salt

step-by-step:

step one: add the ingredients and BOIL

Combine the (uncooked) pasta, milk, marinara, and water in a large saucepan. Stir until well combined, then turn the heat on to high. Bring the contents to a boil.

step two: simmer

Once boiling, stir in the salt and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is tender, the liquid has mostly absorbed, and the sauce is thickened, 12 to 15 minutes.

step two: serve and enjoy

Remove from heat, divide amongst bowls, and enjoy!

recipe faqs:

what’s the best way to reheat this?

I like to toss leftovers in a skillet set over medium heat with 1/4 cup of milk or water. Stir until the pasta is rehydrated and warm.

can i freeze this?

Unfortunately, this is one of those rare recipes that just doesn’t freeze well (mostly due to the dairy in the sauce).

I know your family is going to love this One-Pot “Yummy Pasta” as much as mine does! Comment below once you’ve tried it and let me know what you think!

want more kid-friendly recipes? try these!

Gluten-Free Protein Bagel Bites

Skillet Pizza Penne

One-Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta

4.82 from 27 votes

One-Pot “Yummy Pasta”

Prep: 5

Cook: 15

Total: 20

Servings:

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Ingredients

▢ 2 cups dried fusilli pasta, such as Jovial Brown Rice Pasta
▢ 1 cup 2% milk, room temperature
▢ 1 cup jarred marinara sauce, such as Rao's
▢ 1 cup water
▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

Instructions

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

Nutrition

Calories: 303kcal, Carbohydrates: 59g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 9mg, Sodium: 1815mg, Potassium: 529mg, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 651IU, Vitamin C: 9mg, Calcium: 163mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.