Pin A vibrant, budget-friendly one-pot pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti, hearty kale, and juicy tomatoes. Minimal prep and easy cleanup make it perfect for busy weeknights.
I first made this One-Pot Spaghetti for my family on a rainy Tuesday. I loved how easy it was to toss everything in one pan, and even my picky eaters were delighted by the bright bursts of cherry tomato and hearty kale. Now, it's our go-to for busy nights when we crave comfort and flavor without fuss.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Vegetables: 350 g (12 oz) dried spaghetti, 200 g (7 oz) curly kale stems removed and leaves roughly chopped, 400 g (14 oz) cherry tomatoes halved, 1 medium onion finely chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced
- Liquids & Oils: 900 ml (4 cups) vegetable broth, 2 tbsp olive oil
- Seasonings: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, ½ tsp chili flakes (optional), salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Finish & Garnish: 50 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian hard cheese), fresh basil leaves to serve, extra olive oil for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add Main Ingredients:
- Add cherry tomatoes, kale, dried spaghetti, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a simmer. Use tongs to gently stir and ensure spaghetti is submerged.
- Cook Until Done:
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spaghetti is al dente and kale is tender. Add a splash more broth or water if needed to prevent sticking.
- Finish:
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and toss to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Pin 
We love gathering around the dinner table for this dish, especially when everyone adds their favorite garnishes. The all-in-one cooking method allows us more time together and fewer dishes afterwards, making dinner extra joyful.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, tongs
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (dairy, Parmesan cheese). For gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Always check labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 380 calories, 10 g total fat, 60 g carbohydrates, 13 g protein
Pin Tuck into a warming bowl of this spaghetti after a long day, and you will appreciate its balance of ease and flavor. Serve with a crisp salad or good bread for a complete meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute kale with other greens?
Yes, spinach or Swiss chard work well as alternatives to kale and cook quickly, adding a delicate flavor.
- → How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking during cooking?
Stir occasionally and ensure the pasta stays submerged in broth. Adding a bit more liquid if needed helps avoid sticking.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely. Substitute the Parmesan with a plant-based cheese or simply omit it, and use olive oil or vegan alternatives for finishing.
- → What spice level does the dish have?
It’s mild by default. Adding chili flakes introduces a subtle heat, but they can be omitted to keep it gentle.
- → Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, adding chickpeas or white beans boosts protein content and complements the flavors nicely.
- → What cooking tools do I need?
A large deep skillet or Dutch oven, knife, cutting board, measuring tools, and tongs are recommended for easy preparation.