One Pot Pasta (Ten Dollar Meal)

In today’s fast-paced world, finding a meal that is both delicious and budget friendly can seem like a challenge.

Whether you’re keeping an eye on your wallet or following a Weight Watchers friendly plan, this One Pot Pasta fits the bill perfectly.

With a simple list of ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can whip up this flavorful dish for under ten dollars, leaving you with a satisfied belly and minimal cleanup.

The Ingredients

Pasta: I used penne pasta for this dish. It felt heartier than spaghetti noodles.

Tomatoes: I went with roma tomatoes for this dish since they were only $.99/lb.

Yellow Onion: You need a small onion for this recipe, about 1/2 cup chopped.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must, it adds a ton of flavor.

Fresh Basil: There are not a lot of ingredients in this one pot pasta so using fresh ingredients is key.

Chicken Broth: I used a combination of chicken broth and water for this dish. It’s how the noodles cook and the chicken broth adds more flavor.

Grated Parmesan Cheese: The final step to this dish is to top it with grated Parmesan cheese.

Click here to track the points on your Weight Watchers app.

Budget Calculations

Here is what I spent on the dish:

• Penne Pasta – $1.25
• Roma Tomatoes – $.90
• Fresh Basil – $2.49
• Onion – $.50
• Garlic – $.67
• Parmesan Cheese – $3.29
• Chicken Broth – $.79 (Use vegetable broth if vegetarian)

All together I spent $9.89. Some pantry staples I didn’t buy were salt and black pepper.

Check out my series of $10 meals that are all WW friendly. Each recipe feeds four people and it costs $10 or less to make. It’s perfect for anyone trying to save money.

How to Make One Pot Pasta

I used a 12″ skillet for this recipe. You don’t want to use the lid because that is how the liquid will evaporate.

Begin by chopping the vegetables and adding them to the skillet.

Use a food scale to determine 8 ounces of the penne pasta. Add it to the skillet.

Add the chicken broth, water, salt, and pepper to the skillet.

Heat the skillet on high until it comes to a boil. Make sure to occasionally stir the pasta so it doesn’t stick together.

Reduce the heat to medium-high heat and set the timer for 10 minutes. Occasionally stir the noodles during the 10 minutes.

Divide the pasta into 4 servings and top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

One pot meals like this One Pot Pasta offer a significant advantage in the kitchen: minimal cleanup.

Using just one pot for both cooking and serving means fewer dishes to wash, making your post-dinner routine much simpler and quicker.

Serving Suggestions

For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even turkey sausage.

Vegetarians can enjoy adding plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas.

If you’re looking to spice things up, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

For those who love a bit of creaminess, a splash of heavy cream or a handful of shredded cheese stirred in at the end can give the pasta a rich, luxurious texture.

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a refreshing side, balancing the warmth and richness of the pasta.

A platter of roasted vegetables. Caramelized carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini add both color and nutrients, creating a well-rounded meal

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store any leftover One Pot Pasta in an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to three days.

For best results when reheating, use a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the pasta moist. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming and prevent sticking.

Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture.

Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until the pasta is warmed through. This method helps maintain the dish’s flavor and texture.

If you find the pasta has thickened too much after refrigeration, adding a bit of liquid during reheating can help achieve the desired consistency.

Enjoy your leftovers as a quick and convenient meal option, perfect for busy days or a speedy dinner solution.

Here are some more Weight Watchers friendly recipes:

One Pot Mediterranean Pasta

One Pot French Onion Pasta

One Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta

One Pot Goulash

If you’re looking for some zero point recipes, check out my post 20 Zero Point Recipes or my post 20 (More) Zero Point Recipes. Both are filled with delicious recipes that won’t cost you a single point! They’re perfect for days when you’re running low on points, or trying to save up points for a night out. 

If you’re looking for dessert recipes you can visit 50 Weight Watchers Freestyle Desserts. It’s filled with delicious desserts perfect for Weight Watchers!

Are you looking for a meal plan that’s Weight Watchers friendly? I have over 200 meal plans that you can choose from and I post a new one each week. Click here to check them out!