3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner)

Name: 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta (Easy Weeknight Dinner)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle); 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 jar (about 25 oz) marinara sauce; 1 tsp salt; Optional: fresh basil, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes

BY Emily Parker July 12, 2025

Rigatoni pasta and meat simmering in tomato sauce inside a Dutch oven for 3-ingredient one pot pasta.

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You know those evenings when even boiling water feels like too much? That’s exactly when this 3-ingredient one pot pasta with jar sauce becomes your dinnertime hero. It’s not just quick, it’s deeply comforting, made in a single pot with almost no mess and no extra thought. You just need meat, sauce, and pasta, and in under an hour, you’ve got something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

What makes this version special isn’t just the simplicity. It’s that familiar, homemade taste you usually only get after juggling multiple pots. Here, everything simmers together so the pasta soaks up all the saucy richness. Whether you’re coming home late or feeding a hungry crowd without much in the fridge, this 3-ingredient one pot pasta gets it done.

This recipe is also wonderfully flexible. Want something lighter? Go lean. Feeling indulgent? Stir in a little cream cheese for a velvety finish. It even works for those avoiding cream entirely. And for anyone scanning the web for quick comfort meals, this one shows up again and again — under names like 3 ingredient one pot pasta with cream cheese, 3-ingredient pasta bake, or even 3-ingredient one pot pasta no sauce. We’re covering all of those here.

Stick around. By the end of this post, you’ll have everything you need to master this 3-ingredient one pot pasta your way. Ready?

Table of Contents

Ingredients for 3-Ingredient One Pot Pasta

This 3-ingredient one pot pasta keeps it refreshingly simple, yet it still gives you room to get creative. At its core, all you need are three main ingredients: pasta, meat, and a good jar of sauce. That’s it. No fancy prep. No hidden extras. And if you’re wondering whether you can pull this off without a creamy base or even without sauce altogether, yes, we’ll cover that too.

Core Ingredients

Pasta (12 oz): Rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle all work beautifully. Their shapes hold sauce well, giving every bite the perfect ratio of meat and noodle.
Ground Meat (1 lb): Lean ground beef or turkey is ideal. If you’re trying to go lighter, turkey gives a clean flavor. You can also explore other proteins, but avoid high-fat blends unless you plan to drain them.
Jarred Marinara Sauce (approx. 25 oz): A high-quality sauce makes a big difference. It becomes the flavor base for your entire dish. Rao’s is a popular choice, but any robust, tomato-based sauce will do. And yes, this forms the base for your 3-ingredient one pot pasta with jar sauce.

Optional Garnishes and Extras

Fresh basil or parsley
Grated parmesan
Crushed red pepper flakes
A drizzle of olive oil after cooking

Variations to Note

3 ingredient one pot pasta no sauce: Use canned diced tomatoes or tomato paste with extra water and seasoning instead of a jarred sauce.
3 ingredient one pot pasta with cream cheese: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese during the final minutes for a tangy, creamy version. It adds body without needing cream.
3 ingredient one pot pasta no cream: Skip dairy entirely. The starch from the pasta will still thicken your sauce as it simmers.

This recipe is naturally flexible. If you want to try another great pasta shape, check out our bow tie pasta salad or the smooth ribbons in pappardelle pasta. Both are great inspirations for ingredient tweaks.

What pasta types work best for this recipe?

Short, ridged pasta like rigatoni or rotini are ideal because they cling to sauce and hold up well during simmering. However, feel free to experiment with shapes you already have on hand.

How to Make One Pot Pasta in Just 3 Ingredients

No colanders, no draining, no multi-step chaos. This is a true one-pot meal from start to finish. With just a few easy steps, everything cooks together to create a rich, hearty pasta with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re craving a classic version with jarred sauce or something creamier or dairy-free, the method stays nearly the same.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat over medium-high. Add your ground beef or turkey. Cook for about 6 minutes, breaking it up into small bits as it browns. Add a teaspoon of salt once it’s nearly cooked through.
Add the Sauce and Water
Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the marinara sauce. Fill the empty jar with about 3 cups of water and add that to the pot. Stir until combined.
Add the Pasta and Simmer
Stir in your pasta. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring frequently so the pasta doesn’t stick. Then add 1 more cup of water and keep simmering until the pasta is fully tender, about 15 minutes more.
Finish and Serve
Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened slightly, remove from heat. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with grated parmesan or torn basil leaves. Serve immediately.

A Dutch oven filled with rigatoni pasta and ground meat in marinara sauce, being stirred with a wooden spoon.

Can I bake this into a 3-ingredient pasta bake?

Absolutely. After cooking everything in the pot, pour it into a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes until bubbly. It’s a great way to change up leftovers or prep for a crowd.

For more pasta ideas that transform simple ingredients into standout dishes, explore our chicken bacon ranch pasta or this creamy Philadelphia cream cheese pasta.

Tips and Tricks for the Best One Pot Pasta

Even with just three ingredients, a few thoughtful techniques can turn this from just another quick meal into something you genuinely crave. One pot pasta is all about timing, moisture control, and getting the most out of what you already have in your kitchen.

Stir Early, Stir Often

Once the pasta goes in, don’t walk away. Stir every few minutes, especially in the first 10 minutes. Pasta has a habit of sticking to the bottom if it’s left undisturbed in a thick sauce. Frequent stirring also helps it cook evenly and absorb the flavor.

Use Lean Meat, But Not Too Lean

90% lean ground beef or turkey works well. It adds enough fat for flavor without leaving a greasy film. If your meat has a higher fat content, like 80/20, be sure to drain some of the grease before adding your sauce. That’ll keep the final 3-ingredient one pot pasta rich, not oily.

Adjust Water as Needed

Not all sauces and pastas behave the same. Some pasta shapes may absorb more liquid than others. If the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is fully tender, add an extra splash of water or broth. But go slow, just a quarter cup at a time.

Want It Creamy?

If you’re not using cream but still want that velvety texture, cream cheese is your friend. Add a few tablespoons during the last five minutes. It melts in and adds body without needing heavy cream. This variation works beautifully in recipes like our cream cheese pasta.

Spice It Up, Or Keep It Mild

Crushed red pepper flakes are a quick way to add warmth without overwhelming the dish. A pinch can transform the entire mood of your meal. On the flip side, keep things mild and kid-friendly by skipping extra seasonings altogether.

Why isn’t my pasta cooking evenly?

You might not be stirring enough, or the heat is too low. Bring the mixture to a steady simmer and stir every few minutes. If the sauce seems too thick too fast, loosen it with a splash of water.

And if you’re in the mood to explore other simple pasta meals with flair, try this flavor-packed pasta e fagioli or the silky ribbons of pappardelle bolognese.

Variations and Substitutions for Every Craving

What makes this 3-ingredient one pot pasta recipe so powerful isn’t just its simplicity, but how easily it bends to your mood, your pantry, or your dietary needs. You can make it creamier, lighter, or even completely sauce-free depending on what you’re working with.

A close-up of rigatoni pasta with meat sauce and fresh basil served in a rustic bowl with a golden spoon.

For a Creamier Dish

If you’re leaning into comfort, stir in two to three tablespoons of cream cheese in the final few minutes. It gives you that smooth, rich finish without needing a full cream base. This tweak works especially well when you’re craving a twist on the classic one pot pasta creamy version.

Prefer something a little more decadent? Let it inspire a variation like this crockpot marry me chicken pasta which also leans into creamy, crowd-pleasing flavors.

No Cream? No Problem

You can still achieve a luxurious texture. The key is letting the pasta cook directly in the sauce, which thickens it naturally. For a dairy-free version, avoid adding cheese or cream altogether and just finish with a bit of reserved starchy water if it gets too thick. This is your go-to if you’re making a 3 ingredient one pot pasta no cream variation.

Ditch the Sauce Entirely

Yes, really. For a lighter, more pantry-friendly version, swap the jarred sauce for canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, or even crushed fresh tomatoes if they’re in season. Add garlic, onion powder, and a pinch of oregano or Italian herbs. That’s your base for a 3 ingredient one pot pasta no sauce approach.

Add Hidden Veggies

Want to get a little more fiber or color on the plate without complicating things? Toss in a handful of chopped spinach, zucchini, or frozen peas during the last 5 minutes. These blend in beautifully and turn your quick dinner into a sneakily healthy option.

Looking for more pasta inspiration that feels fresh but easy? Try a chilled option like this dill pickle pasta salad or something classic with Italian dressing.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just leave out the meat and double up on the sauce or add some white beans or lentils. The flavor’s still rich and satisfying, especially if you stir in fresh herbs or a spoon of pesto near the end.

Frequently Asked Questions About 3-Ingredient Pasta

With a recipe this simple, a few smart tweaks can make all the difference. Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about making one pot pasta with just a few ingredients.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, most shapes work fine. Short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells hold up best, especially during simmering. Just avoid extra-thin or quick-cooking varieties, which can become mushy.

How can I make it without jarred sauce?

To make a 3 ingredient one pot pasta no sauce version, use crushed or diced tomatoes with seasonings like garlic, onion powder, and Italian herbs. You’ll get a fresher, more rustic flavor.

Can I make it creamy without heavy cream?

Yes, try cream cheese for a velvety version that still sticks to just three ingredients. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore this smooth and simple cream cheese pasta that uses a similar trick.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely. Let the pasta cool fully, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring back the sauce’s texture.

Can I turn this into a baked pasta?

You sure can. After cooking, transfer everything into an oven-safe dish, top with a sprinkle of cheese if you like, and bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This gives you a 3-ingredient pasta bake that’s bubbly and golden.

For another layered and oven-worthy option, try this slow-cooked pappardelle bolognese with hearty depth.

Nutrition Information for One Pot Pasta

Even with just three main ingredients, this dish brings a surprisingly balanced profile. It’s filling, protein-rich, and customizable depending on your goals. Here’s what a typical serving might look like based on lean ground turkey, standard marinara, and whole wheat rotini.

Four-step photo collage showing ground meat being cooked with sauce, pasta added to the pot, simmering, and the final served dish.

Calories: ~420 per serving
Protein: 27–30g
Carbohydrates: 35–40g
Fat: 12–14g
Fiber: 4–6g
Sodium: 900–1200mg (varies by sauce)

Tips to Adjust the Nutrition

Lower sodium: Use a low-salt marinara or make your own tomato base with herbs and spices.
More protein: Swap in higher-protein pasta or add lentils or beans.
Lower fat: Choose 93% lean turkey or beef and drain off excess fat if needed.
More fiber: Go with whole grain pasta or toss in chopped spinach or mushrooms near the end.

Want to try another pasta that’s just as simple but packs a fresh twist? Take a look at this bright, herbaceous salmon pesto pasta. It’s perfect if you want something a little lighter without losing richness.

Is this a healthy recipe?

Yes, especially if you use lean meat, a clean-label sauce, and whole grain pasta. It’s satisfying without being heavy, and you’re in full control of what goes into it. That makes it easy to fit into most balanced eating plans.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Pasta Recipe

Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be deeply satisfying. This 3-ingredient one pot pasta proves it. Whether you’re using a jar of sauce you love, making a creamy version with a hint of cream cheese, or even skipping the sauce entirely, the magic is in how easily it all comes together.

This is the kind of recipe you keep in your back pocket. When the fridge looks empty but you’ve got pasta, meat, and a jar of sauce — dinner’s already halfway done. And the beauty is, no matter how many times you make it, there’s always a new spin to try. Creamy one night. Veggie-packed the next. Baked and cheesy when you’re craving comfort.

If you enjoyed this, don’t stop here. Explore other crave-worthy options like sacchetti pasta or a light, chilled pasta salad with Italian dressing. There’s a whole world of simple, satisfying pasta meals just waiting for you.

Now go make dinner — and maybe save some leftovers this time.

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