Name: 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey; 1 teaspoon; 1 jar (approx. 25 oz.); 12 ounces (rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle); Grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves

When life calls for comfort and convenience, nothing soothes quite like a bowl of 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta. Imagine this: tender noodles and hearty, flavorful meat sauce, all bubbling together in the same pot and infusing every bite with rich, savory taste. With just three humble ingredients and minimal cleanup, this cozy classic is weeknight magic—perfect for when you want something deeply satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving family dinner, fueling up after a busy day, or looking for something fuss-free that’s also a crowd-pleaser, this meal delivers every single time.

3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just three core ingredients come together to create something far more delicious than you might expect. Each element plays its own special role, from building flavor to providing heartiness and texture. Let’s explore these must-haves:

Lean ground beef or turkey: Packed with protein, this is the backbone of your pasta sauce, offering richness and making the meal extra filling.
Marinara sauce: Your favorite store-bought or homemade jar brings all the classic Italian flavors you crave—tomato, garlic, herbs—without any extra chopping required.
Pasta (rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle): Hearty pasta shapes soak up the sauce beautifully and hold up well to simmering in one pot.
Salt: A pinch enhances all the natural flavors and keeps everything well seasoned as it simmers.
Optional garnish – parmesan cheese and fresh basil: Not strictly required, but a shower of cheese and a touch of green take this pasta to comforting new heights.

How to Make 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat

Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your choice of ground beef or turkey and begin breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Take your time; you want to ensure every bit is evenly browned with no pink remaining. This step builds savory flavor right from the start and gives your pasta that classic, crave-worthy depth.

Step 2: Build and Simmer the Sauce

Turn the heat down to medium and pour in that jar of marinara sauce. Don’t let those precious tomato-y bits cling to the sides—fill the empty jar with water (about 3 cups), give it a shake, and pour it into the pot as well. This extra water helps the pasta cook directly in the sauce, soaking in every last drop of flavor while keeping the whole process beautifully simple. Give everything a gentle stir, making sure the beef and sauce are fully combined.

Step 3: Add the Pasta

Now it’s time to add your dry pasta! Whether you’re using rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle, stir it right into the sauce-meat mixture. The beauty of 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta is that the noodles cook directly in the delicious (and plentiful) sauce, absorbing all that flavor as they soften. Give it all a good stir so that the pasta is evenly coated and not clumped together.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Bring your pot to a gentle simmer—you should see just a few bubbles breaking the surface. Let the pasta cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent any sticking at the bottom. After that first interval, add one more cup of water and keep stirring and simmering for another 15 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly al dente and the sauce is thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. That’s it!

How to Serve 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta

Garnishes

While this dish is absolutely excellent on its own, sprinkling on a handful of freshly grated parmesan cheese takes it to the next level of savory satisfaction. Add a few torn fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and fragrance—a finishing touch that makes your 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad or garlicky sautéed greens to lighten up the meal. A warm, crusty loaf of bread or classic garlic bread is always a welcome addition for sopping up the saucy goodness. If you want to keep things simple, a handful of olives or a side of roasted vegetables easily round out the dinner table.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta for company by serving it family-style in the pot, topped with a big heap of cheese and a sprinkling of herbs. Or, for a fun weeknight twist, scoop portions into individual oven-safe dishes, sprinkle with cheese, and pop under the broiler for a bubbly, golden top. Small pasta bowls with an extra drizzle of olive oil also add a special touch for casual nights in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover pasta into a sealed container and pop it into the fridge, where it will stay fresh for about five days. The flavors deepen and meld, making next-day helpings even more irresistible. A quick stir before reheating revives the dish beautifully.

Freezing

If you’d like to save leftovers for a longer period, portion the 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta into freezer-safe containers. Let it cool fully before sealing and freezing for up to three months. To avoid freezer burn, press a piece of parchment directly onto the surface before snapping on the lid.

Reheating

Reheating couldn’t be more straightforward. For stovetop reheating, add the pasta to a skillet with a splash of olive oil, water, or even a little extra sauce if you have it. Warm over medium heat, stirring gently until heated through. Individual servings rewarm easily in the microwave—just cover loosely and stir halfway for even results.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While lean ground beef or turkey is classic, Italian sausage, ground chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work beautifully. Just remember to brown them well for maximum flavor.

What kind of marinara sauce works best?

Honestly, choose your favorite! A robust, garlicky sauce adds extra punch, while a basil-forward or chunky vegetable blend gives the dish more texture. Homemade or store-bought—either is fantastic in this 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta.

If I want more veggies, what can I add?

Feel free to stir in quick-cooking vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms after the meat browns. They’ll cook down while your pasta simmers, making your meal even heartier and more nutritious.

Does this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?

Yes! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free noodles tend to cook (and break down) a bit faster than traditional ones. Stir gently and check for doneness a few minutes early.

Can this be doubled for a crowd?

Definitely. The 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta is a true dinner party hero—just use a very large pot and stir often to ensure even cooking. You’ll have a crowd-pleasing, fuss-free feast in no time!

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the simplest recipes truly are the most satisfying, and 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta is a perfect example. If you’ve been hunting for an easy, flavor-packed meal that practically makes itself, look no further. I can’t wait for you to try this staple in your own kitchen—you’re in for a treat, every single time.

3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta Recipe

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This 3-ingredient one pot pasta recipe is a quick and easy dish that combines flavorful meat sauce with your favorite pasta in one pot for a delicious meal in just about 45 minutes.

Author: Paula
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Ground Beef or Turkey:

1 pound lean ground beef or turkey

Salt:

1 teaspoon

Marinara Sauce:

1 jar (approx. 25 oz.)

Pasta:

12 ounces (rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle)

Optional Garnish:

Grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Cook Ground Beef or Turkey: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Add salt.
Add Marinara Sauce and Pasta: Reduce heat to medium, add marinara sauce and water to the pot. Stir in the pasta.
Simmer and Cook: Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Add more water and continue cooking until pasta is tender.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parmesan and basil, then serve.

Notes

This pasta dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, add to a pan with a splash of liquid and warm on the stove or microwave individual servings.