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Best Easy One-Pot Pasta Recipe for Broke Students

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A budget-friendly, one-pot pasta recipe that’s ready in 20 minutes and uses simple pantry staples. Perfect for college students or anyone looking for a quick, comforting meal without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (226g) dried pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli, or broken spaghetti)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred, undrained)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 2 cups (480ml) vegetable broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon salt)
  • Optional add-ins: handful of spinach, leftover cooked meat, tomato paste, Parmesan or nutritional yeast

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent. Add the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking (if using garlic powder, add later with dried spices).
  3. Pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes (with liquid), dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir and let bubble for about 1 minute.
  4. Add the dried pasta and vegetable broth or water. Stir well to prevent sticking. The liquid should just about cover the pasta; add a splash more water if needed.
  5. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
  6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking. If the pot looks dry before pasta is done, add a splash more water or broth.
  7. After 10 minutes, taste a piece of pasta. It should be tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Cook 2 more minutes if needed.
  8. Turn off the heat. If adding spinach, stir it in and let wilt for 1 minute. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with Parmesan or nutritional yeast if desired.
  9. Serve immediately. Eat straight from the pot or portion into bowls.

Notes

Don’t skip stirring to prevent sticking. The pasta absorbs the liquid to create its own sauce—do not drain. For best texture, serve immediately. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; add a splash of water when reheating. Not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, easy pasta recipe, budget-friendly, college student meals, quick dinner, pantry pasta, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/best-easy-one-pot-pasta-recipe-for-broke-students/