If you’re craving a classic Italian comfort meal that comes together effortlessly and cleans up in a snap, this One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine rich, savory Italian sausage mingling with tangy crushed tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a splash of creamy goodness all cooked alongside delicate strands of spaghetti in one single pot. The result is an indulgently hearty, perfectly balanced dish bursting with flavor and texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again when you want dinner that’s both simple and delicious without sacrificing any of that authentic Bolognese charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the great things about this One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe is how the ingredients come together to create layers of complex flavors without requiring a dozen obscure items. Each simple ingredient plays a vital role in building that signature hearty, saucy, and slightly creamy taste and texture that makes this dish shine.
- Italian sausage (1 lb, casings removed): Provides rich meatiness and a touch of spice that forms the backbone of the sauce.
- Tomato paste (3 Tbsp): Concentrates tomato flavor and adds depth and body to the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (3, crushed): Infuse the mixture with a warm, fragrant aroma essential for any good Bolognese.
- Dried minced onion flakes (1 Tbsp): Offer sweet and slightly sharp onion notes without extra chopping.
- Dried basil (1 Tbsp): Brings a fragrant herbal touch that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Sugar (1 Tbsp): Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a mellow, rounded flavor.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 28-oz can): Forms a hearty tomato sauce base bursting with fresh, sweet tang.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Adds savory umami and the liquid needed to cook the pasta perfectly in one pot.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Gives the sauce a luscious creaminess that softens the acidity and enriches every bite.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle kick of heat to keep the flavor exciting.
- Thin spaghetti (12 oz, uncooked): Cooks right in the sauce, absorbing all those delicious flavors for a perfectly sauced pasta.
How to Make One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating your Dutch oven and adding the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until no longer pink throughout. This step is critical because it builds the meat’s flavor foundation and releases savory oils that enhance your sauce. Once browned, drain off the excess fat to keep things from getting greasy.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Next, toss in the tomato paste, crushed garlic, dried minced onion flakes, dried basil, and sugar. Sauté these together for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly. This quick step caramelizes the paste and melds the spices, creating the rich, complex backbone of your Bolognese sauce.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine. Add the uncooked spaghetti right into the pot, pushing it down gently and coaxing it to soak up that flavorful liquid. Bring the pot to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Let your sauce and spaghetti cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. As the pasta softens, it will absorb all those beautiful flavors, thickening the sauce naturally without needing extra steps or pots. It’s a magical moment where simplicity meets deliciousness in your kitchen!
How to Serve One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your serving with a scatter of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of torn fresh basil leaves. The cheese adds a salty nutty layer that complements the creamy sauce, while the basil brings in a fresh herbal contrast that lightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that don’t compete with its rich flavors. A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread slathered in butter to mop up the sauce makes for an irresistible meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve your One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe in rustic bowls and drizzle a touch of extra virgin olive oil on top. Garnish with chili flakes for guests who love heat. You could even sprinkle toasted pine nuts for added crunch. The beauty of this dish is how effortlessly you can dress it up or keep it casual.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful—if not more so—than the day you made it.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Bolognese in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then portion it out to avoid thawing more than you need. Keep in mind the pasta may soften a bit after freezing, but the dish’s rich flavors will remain very satisfying.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if it feels too thick. This keeps the sauce creamy and the pasta perfectly sauced without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef works well if you prefer a milder flavor or don’t have Italian sausage on hand. You might want to add a pinch more Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to maintain that signature taste.
Do I have to use heavy cream in this recipe?
The heavy cream adds a lovely richness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes, but you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. Just expect the sauce to be a bit less creamy.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the pot frequently during the simmering phase, especially as the pasta starts absorbing liquid. This helps keep the noodles separate and evenly coated with sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the thin spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure the broth and other ingredients are gluten-free, and cook according to the package instructions, as cooking times can vary.
Is it possible to double this One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe?
You can double the ingredients, but use a larger pot to prevent overcrowding. The cooking time may increase slightly because of the volume, so keep an eye on your pasta’s doneness and sauce consistency.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe is pure magic for anyone who loves the rich flavors of a traditional Bolognese without spending hours or ending up with a sink full of dishes. It’s hearty, comforting, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll have a new favorite staple that’s both fuss-free and full of soul.
Print
One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and hearty One-Pot Spaghetti Bolognese that combines Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and tender spaghetti cooked together in a Dutch oven. This easy-to-make recipe delivers delicious flavors with minimal cleanup, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 1 Tbsp dried basil
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Pasta
- 12 oz thin spaghetti, uncooked
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, until it is no longer pink and cooked through. Drain excess fat to avoid greasiness in the sauce.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato paste, crushed garlic, dried minced onion flakes, dried basil, and sugar. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the tomato paste to slightly caramelize, intensifying the sauce’s depth.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Pasta: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Add the uncooked thin spaghetti, submerging it fully.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Cooked: Let the entire pot simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the spaghetti from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot. The pasta will cook directly in the flavorful sauce, absorbing all the tastes.
- Serve: Once the spaghetti is tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove from heat. Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is cooked, add a splash of extra chicken broth or water.
- Using thin spaghetti ensures it cooks evenly in the liquid within the allotted time.
- Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day after flavors meld further.
- Can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different protein option.
