Some nights, the idea of cooking feels like climbing a mountain. I remember one evening, the clock was inching past six, and I still hadn’t decided what to make. I was halfway through scrolling recipes when I realized I didn’t want to spend forever in the kitchen or end up with a sink full of dishes. That’s when this one pot pasta with jar sauce came to the rescue.
As I stirred the pasta, sauce, and water together in a single pot, the aroma of garlic and herbs filled the kitchen—comforting and familiar. It wasn’t fancy, but it was exactly what I needed: warm, satisfying, and uncomplicated. I admit I got a bit distracted halfway through, checking my phone, but the pasta kept simmering gently without any trouble. A sprinkle of Parmesan at the end made it feel like a little celebration for a simple meal.
- Minimal cleanup because everything cooks in one pot—less time scrubbing, more time relaxing.
- Quick to make, so it fits perfectly into busy evenings or last-minute cravings.
- The flavors develop nicely even with a jarred sauce, making it feel homemade without the fuss.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No need to overthink dinner.
If you’ve ever hesitated to cook because it seemed like too much work, this recipe might just change your mind. It’s forgiving, easy to tweak, and perfect for those nights when you want dinner without drama.
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One Pot Pasta with Jar Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and easy one pot pasta recipe using jarred pasta sauce. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
12 ounces dry pasta (such as penne or rotini)
24 ounces jarred marinara pasta sauce
3 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
In a large pot or deep skillet, combine the dry pasta, jarred marinara sauce, water, olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
Stir the ingredients together to combine evenly.
Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Don’t worry about fancy equipment here—just a large pot or a deep skillet does the trick. Serve it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread if you’re feeling indulgent. Sometimes I add a handful of spinach towards the end or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, though I haven’t tested these tweaks thoroughly. Occasionally, a splash of cream stirred in at the end makes it extra cozy, but it’s just as good without.
FAQ
Can I use any pasta shape? Yes, though cooking times might vary slightly depending on the pasta. Penne or rotini work well here.
What if I don’t have all the dried herbs? No worries—garlic powder alone gives a lot of flavor, and the sauce already has seasoning.
Can leftovers be frozen? They store well in the fridge for a couple of days but don’t freeze as nicely because the texture can change.
Ready to ditch the extra pots and still enjoy a comforting bowl of pasta? Give this recipe a try and see how easy dinner can be.