Name: One-Pot Spaghetti
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 Servings
Cuisine: Italian

Jule’s Menu Verified

January 27, 2026

This simple one-pot recipe makes flavorful, tomato-rich spaghetti in a savory sauce, all in a single pot to save time and cleanup. Made with shallots, garlic, tomato paste, and passata, it’s easily customized with your choice of herbs, vegetables, or protein, and finished with a touch of balsamic vinegar, dried herbs, and your favorite toppings for a quick, versatile meal.

From the Cook

1/6

One-Pot Spaghetti

Jule’s Menu Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 4 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Peel and finely dice the shallots and garlic cloves. Heat the oil in a pot, sauté the diced shallots and garlic with a pinch of salt over medium-high heat until translucent.

Once the shallots are translucent, add the tomato paste and sugar and sauté for about 30 seconds, then deglaze with the strained tomatoes and water. Bring the sauce to a brief boil.

Reduce the heat slightly and add the spaghetti. Make sure all the pasta is covered with sauce. (If the pasta doesn't fit in the pot right away, let it stand at an angle in the sauce for a few seconds and partially cover it. After 30 to 60 seconds, the pasta should be soft enough to bend into the sauce.)

Simmer the pasta in one pot with the lid on over medium-high heat for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. Then simmer uncovered for another two minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.

Season the spaghetti with salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar and herbs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Liquid Ratio Mastery 💧
Use a precise 1:1.5 ratio of pasta to liquid to ensure perfectly cooked spaghetti without draining, allowing the starch to create a creamy, emulsified sauce.
Flavor Layering Technique 🧄
Caramelize shallots and garlic first in olive oil to build a deep flavor foundation before adding tomato paste and passata.
Balsamic Balance 🥄
Add balsamic vinegar at the very end of cooking to preserve its bright acidity and prevent it from becoming bitter through prolonged heat exposure.
Herb Intensity Control 🌿
Crush dried herbs between your palms before adding to release their essential oils and maximize their aromatic potential.
One-Pot Stirring Strategy 🥢
Stir spaghetti gently and frequently during the first 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking in the single pot.

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About the Cook

Jule’s Menu

Hi, I’m Julia, and I’m the recipe developer, photographer, and author behind Jules’ Menu. I’ve spent the last eight years perfecting healthy everyday recipes so they strike the perfect balance between healthy and nourishing, simple and practical, and gourmet-level delicious.