Creamy One-Pot Loaded Spaghetti
A quick and easy one-pot spaghetti recipe loaded with ground meat, creamy sauce, cheese, and veggies, ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles (regular or whole wheat)
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or blend)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until no longer pink and slightly browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Push the meat to the side and add chopped onions and minced garlic. Stir frequently until fragrant and onions soften.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in broth and add broken spaghetti noodles, spreading evenly. Bring to a simmer, cover loosely, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese. Stir gently until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Fold in cooked bacon bits and frozen peas or corn. Cook until warmed through. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve immediately.
Notes
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or cream to loosen it. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a minute to reduce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. For vegetarian or dairy-free versions, substitute ground meat with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles, use vegetable broth, and replace dairy with coconut or cashew cream and vegan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 22
Keywords: one-pot spaghetti, creamy spaghetti, loaded spaghetti, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food