Save to Pinterest A vibrant, budget-friendly one-pot pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti, hearty kale, and juicy tomatoes. Minimal prep and easy cleanup make it perfect for busy weeknights.
The first night I made this dish for my family, everyone loved how all the flavors came together in a single pot. It quickly became a regular in our weeknight rotation, especially when we want something cozy without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- Dried spaghetti: 350 g (12 oz)
- Curly kale, stems removed, leaves roughly chopped: 200 g (7 oz)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: 400 g (14 oz)
- Medium onion, finely chopped: 1
- Garlic cloves, minced: 3
- Vegetable broth: 900 ml (4 cups)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Dried basil: 1 tsp
- Chili flakes (optional): ½ tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian hard cheese): 50 g (½ cup)
- Fresh basil leaves: To serve
- Extra olive oil, for drizzling (optional): As desired
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic:
- Stir in minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add main ingredients:
- Add cherry tomatoes, kale, dried spaghetti, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a simmer. Use tongs to gently stir and ensure spaghetti is submerged.
- Cook covered:
- Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spaghetti is al dente and kale is tender. Add more broth or water if needed to prevent sticking.
- Finish:
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Save to Pinterest One-pot recipes like this bring everyone around the table, and even picky eaters find something to love. It's satisfying to see empty plates and requests for seconds after a busy day.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, tongs
Allergen Information
Contains wheat and dairy. For gluten-free, use gluten-free spaghetti. For dairy-free, either omit cheese or use a suitable alternative. Always check labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 380 calories, 10 g total fat, 60 g carbohydrates, and 13 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this bright, comforting meal anytime you need something quick and nourishing. It brings fresh Italian-inspired flavors in the simplest way possible.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute kale with other greens?
Yes, spinach is a great alternative that cooks faster and offers a milder flavor while maintaining the dish's vibrant quality.
- → How do I keep the spaghetti from sticking during cooking?
Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in broth and stir occasionally. Adding a splash more liquid if needed helps prevent sticking.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegan-friendly?
Absolutely. Use plant-based hard cheese alternatives or omit cheese toppings altogether to maintain a vegan profile.
- → What type of pan works best for this dish?
A large deep skillet or Dutch oven is ideal as it allows even cooking and enough space for stirring the ingredients gently.
- → Can I add protein to this meal?
Adding drained chickpeas or white beans enhances protein content without changing the flavor profile substantially.
- → What wine pairs well with this one-pot pasta?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the fresh tomato and herbal notes beautifully.