Tired? Busy? Not in the mood to cook? Here is a quick and easy one pot pasta recipe to help. This recipe has saved me time and time again. This is a go to recipe for my household. Here are some reasons why…
Toddler Approved
Sugar Plum Z has become a picky eater but this is one dish she never refuses. She will eat this even if she leaves all the meat behind. I’m fine with that!
Leftovers
This recipe can easily be doubled for leftovers otherwise known as lunch for The Hubs. He loves pasta and I love that he loves pasta. We save money and I know whatever I make at home is much healthier than what he would buy outside. This recipe is a win all around.
Easy Clean-Up
A cutting board, chef knife, pot serving spoon and fork are all you need to make this dish. Need I say more. One pot pasta to a tired mama’s rescue. I’m still WINNING!
Quick & Tasty
I mentioned this before but it’s worth saying again. This one pot pasta recipe is quick. Like 30 minute quick including prep and clean-up. Well the clean-up part may be a stretch if you are running behind a busy toddler the entire time but you get the point.
Versatile
You can make this recipe as is or you can tweak it to your hearts desire. Some of my favorite remixes to this recipe include shrimp & broccoli alfredo, a meatless pot or a chicken and white wine. The possibilities are endless.
Dinner Party
You can double this recipe, pack it in a beautiful serving dish, throw some fresh herbs on top and bring it to a casual potluck style party. How’s that for a easy crowd pleaser? I’ll take it.


- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 package smoked andouille sausage, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 pint halved grape tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh or dried oregano/Italian seasoning, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Instructions
- In a large pot over medium high heat, combine spaghetti, sausage, onion, tomatoes, basil, garlic, black beans, bay leaf, herbs, stock and water.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until pasta is cooked through and liquid has reduced, about 10 minutes. Discard bay leaf.
- Stir in Parmesan and adjust seasoning.
- Serve immediately.
8 Comments
Adanna
December 15, 2014 at 12:17 AMThis sounds yummy and all the ingredients on the cutting board made me hungry. Thanks for sharing. I’ll be pinning. Anything toddlers like, I need to try.
M J
December 15, 2014 at 12:22 AMThanks Adanna. Yes girl, you know these toddlers are a picky bunch. Zoe loves the one with broccoli sans meat. LOL
Vee
December 16, 2014 at 1:20 AMGirl you’re talking my language. One pot is where it’s at lol. I was (and can still be) such a picky eater. I’m glad Zoe likes it.
M J
December 16, 2014 at 10:25 PMI can’t imagine you being a picky eater. Not an island girl like you. LOL. Give it a try. You can do so many different options based on your personal (picky) preference. Ha!
Renae
December 16, 2014 at 1:43 PMThis looks simple enough I love one pot recipes, I may have to add this to my list and give it a try.
M J
December 16, 2014 at 10:24 PMGo for it. It was oh so simple.
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy
December 18, 2014 at 11:47 PMsounds like the perfect weeknight dinner!
M J
December 21, 2014 at 11:38 PMThanks Caralyn. It was good and definitely easy to throw together on a weeknight.