Delicious, effortless, and bursting with color, this One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe perfectly balances hearty pasta, fresh veggies, and aromatics all in one pot—making it a dream for busy weeknights. You get tangy tomatoes, tender sautéed vegetables, and just the right kick of herbs, all swirled together with spaghetti that soaks up every bit of flavor. Cleanup is a breeze, the meal is family-friendly, and you’ll have a dish that’s just as tasty the next day (if there are leftovers!). Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply love a satisfying veggie dinner, you’ll turn to this One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe again and again for its simplicity and crave-worthy results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This is the kind of shopping list that won’t stress you out—and every ingredient plays a role in making the One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe sing. From the sweetness of bell pepper to the savory touch of Parmesan or vegan cheese, each choice brings flavor, texture, and gorgeous color to your bowl.
- Spaghetti: The star of the show—use classic, whole wheat, or gluten-free spaghetti for your noodle base.
- Olive oil: Lends a rich, fruity base for sauteeing that deepens the overall flavor.
- Onion: Adds sweet undertones as it softens and cooks with the vegetables.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic zing—don’t skimp for that classic Italian aroma.
- Zucchini: Adds a touch of freshness and color; dice evenly for even cooking.
- Red bell pepper: Pretty and sweet, it balances out the tomato tang.
- Mushrooms: Provide a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
- Canned diced tomatoes: These give sauciness and tart-sweet depth—leave the juices in for maximum flavor.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato essence and helps thicken the sauce.
- Vegetable broth: The magical liquid that cooks your pasta while infusing it with savory richness.
- Dried oregano: Contributes that unmistakable Mediterranean vibe.
- Dried basil: Adds herbaceous warmth—if you have fresh, toss in at the end.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick. Start slow if you’re unsure.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing everything together in harmony.
- Grated Parmesan or vegan cheese (optional): Deliciously melty and finishes off the dish with a salty punch.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: A fresh finish that adds both beauty and a bright, herbaceous note.
How to Make One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the edges turn translucent and sweet—you want to build a rich, savory base for your One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe.
Step 2: Layer in Your Veggies
Next comes the fragrant minced garlic, followed by your diced zucchini, red bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Stir it all together and let the vegetables cook down for about 5 minutes. You’re looking for them to soften slightly and release their natural juices, which adds loads of flavor later on.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes, including their juices, and stir in the tomato paste. Add the vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, and a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper. This magic mixture becomes your simmering sauce, bubbling together for ultimate flavor.
Step 4: Nestle in the Spaghetti
If your pot is small, break the spaghetti in half so it fits easily. Place the dry pasta into the pot, gently pressing it to submerge the noodles as much as possible. Give everything a good stir, ensuring the pasta is coated in flavorful liquid—this is where things start to come together!
Step 5: Simmer and Stir
Bring the whole pot to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring regularly so the pasta doesn’t clump together or stick to the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when the spaghetti is perfectly al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed into a glossy, thick sauce.
Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Once the pasta is tender, take the pot off the heat and let it stand for 2 minutes—the sauce will naturally thicken and everything will settle into harmony. If you like, finish your One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe with grated Parmesan or vegan cheese, and scatter plenty of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.
How to Serve One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A flourish of grated Parmesan or vegan cheese is always a win, but don’t underestimate the power of a handful of freshly torn basil or chopped parsley. A few twists of black pepper and perhaps a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil will make each bowl of your One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe pop both visually and in flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your spaghetti with a crisp green salad or warm, crusty bread for effortless comfort. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser, while a simple side of roasted veggies keeps things light and brings the meal full circle. This One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe is beguilingly versatile—serve it with anything you love!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style straight from the pot at the center of the table for that cozy, everyone-digs-in vibe. To make it feel a bit more special, twirl individual servings into shallow pasta bowls and top with a perfect cheese frill. For potlucks, transport right in your cooking vessel—no extra dishes needed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the cooled One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen as it rests, making your second helping even more irresistible.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly, too! Place cooled spaghetti in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Label and date, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture.
Reheating
To bring your One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe back to life, add a splash of water or extra broth before reheating (either on the stove or in the microwave) to freshen up the sauce. Warm gently and stir often for best results—top with fresh cheese and herbs anew for that just-cooked flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe?
Absolutely—flexibility is the beauty here. Try adding spinach, kale, carrots, broccoli, or whatever needs using up from your fridge. Just chop everything to similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Will gluten-free pasta work?
Yes, gluten-free spaghetti is a great choice in this recipe! Just keep an eye on the cook time and stir a bit more frequently, as gluten-free noodles can be more delicate or prone to sticking.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
The One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe is vegetarian as written, but to make it vegan, simply skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative. The rest of the meal is already dairy-free and plant-based.
Can I double the recipe to feed a crowd?
You can double (or even triple) the ingredients for larger groups—just be sure to use a very large pot and increase the cook time slightly if needed. Stir well so all those spaghetti strands get evenly cooked in the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe keeps beautifully for several days, making it ideal for meal prep. Portion into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that delivers on flavor, comfort, and simplicity all at once, this One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe deserves a spot in your weekly lineup. It’s easy to customize and always satisfying, so gather your ingredients and let this one-pot wonder bring some joy to your table tonight!
Print
One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make One-Pot Vegetarian Spaghetti recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Packed with colorful veggies and flavorful herbs, this dish is a satisfying and nutritious option for pasta lovers.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Sauce:
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan or vegan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms.
- Cook Sauce: Add tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, herbs, spices, salt, and pepper. Break and add spaghetti, simmer until tender.
- Finish: Let sit to thicken, top with cheese and herbs.
Notes
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used with adjusted cook time.
- Great for meal prep and improves in flavor overnight.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
