One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale

Featured in: Quick Meals

This one-pot spaghetti combines tender dried pasta, curly kale, and halved cherry tomatoes simmered together in a flavorful vegetable broth infused with oregano, basil, and garlic. Minimal prep and easy cleanup make it ideal for busy nights, offering a hearty vegetarian meal finished with grated Parmesan and fresh basil. Adjust seasonings and add chili flakes for a subtle kick or swap kale with spinach. This Italian-inspired dish balances freshness and comfort with every bite.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:41:00 GMT
Steaming one-pot spaghetti with kale and tomatoes, topped with fresh basil, ready to serve and enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Steaming one-pot spaghetti with kale and tomatoes, topped with fresh basil, ready to serve and enjoy. | buddybiteskitchen.com

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.

I first tried this one-pot spaghetti recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something delicious and low-fuss. The fresh tomatoes bursting with juice and savory kale create a pasta bowl that's both hearty and comforting.

Ingredients

  • Pasta & Vegetables: 350 g (12 oz) dried spaghetti, 200 g (7 oz) curly kale stems removed, leaves roughly chopped, 400 g (14 oz) cherry tomatoes halved, 1 medium onion finely chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced
  • Liquids & Oils: 900 ml (4 cups) vegetable broth, 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Seasonings: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp chili flakes optional, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Finish & Garnish: 50 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese or vegetarian hard cheese, fresh basil leaves to serve, extra olive oil for drizzling optional

Instructions

Saute Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
Add Garlic:
Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Main Ingredients:
Add the cherry tomatoes, kale, dried spaghetti, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
Simmer:
Bring to a simmer. Use tongs to gently stir and ensure the spaghetti is submerged.
Cook:
Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spaghetti is al dente and the kale is tender. Add a splash more broth or water if needed to prevent sticking.
Finish:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and toss to combine.
Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
A close-up of the delicious one-pot spaghetti, featuring vibrant tomatoes and wilted kale, ready for dinner. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of the delicious one-pot spaghetti, featuring vibrant tomatoes and wilted kale, ready for dinner. | buddybiteskitchen.com

My family loves gathering around the table for this pasta, especially when we jazz it up with fresh basil from our garden. It's a dinner everyone looks forward to, with simple ingredients and great flavor.

Required Tools

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, tongs

Nutritional Information

Calories: 380, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 60 g, Protein: 13 g per serving

Serving Suggestions

Pairs well with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. Add a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Flavorful one-pot spaghetti dinner with kale, visible herbs, and parmesan, offering a comforting Italian taste. Save to Pinterest
Flavorful one-pot spaghetti dinner with kale, visible herbs, and parmesan, offering a comforting Italian taste. | buddybiteskitchen.com

This fuss-free spaghetti comes together quickly and tastes vibrant every time. You'll love how easy it is to make and clean up.

Common Recipe Questions

Can I use fresh spinach instead of kale?

Yes, spinach can substitute kale for a milder green. Add it near the end of cooking since it wilts quickly.

How do I prevent the spaghetti from sticking?

Stir occasionally and ensure the spaghetti is fully submerged in the broth throughout simmering. Adding extra broth or water helps avoid sticking.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Use a plant-based hard cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether for a vegan-friendly option without sacrificing flavor.

What cooking tools are recommended?

A large, deep skillet or Dutch oven works best for even heat distribution and easy stirring during cooking.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Incorporate canned chickpeas or white beans for extra protein and texture without altering the dish’s essence.

One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale

A budget-friendly one-pot dish blending spaghetti, kale, and fresh tomatoes for an effortless main course.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Quick Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-Inspired

Recipe Yield 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians

What You'll Need

Pasta & Vegetables

01 12 oz dried spaghetti
02 7 oz curly kale, stems removed, leaves roughly chopped
03 14 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
04 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Oils

01 4 cups vegetable broth
02 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

01 1 tsp dried oregano
02 1 tsp dried basil
03 ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
04 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finish & Garnish

01 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegetarian hard cheese
02 Fresh basil leaves, to serve
03 Extra olive oil, for drizzling (optional)

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Combine main ingredients: Add cherry tomatoes, kale, dried spaghetti, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet.

Step 04

Simmer pasta mixture: Bring to a simmer. Use tongs to stir gently and ensure spaghetti is fully submerged.

Step 05

Cook until tender: Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spaghetti is al dente and kale is tender. Add a splash of broth or water if necessary to prevent sticking.

Step 06

Finish with cheese: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and toss to combine thoroughly.

Step 07

Serve: Plate the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an optional drizzle of olive oil.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs

Allergy Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (dairy from Parmesan cheese).
  • For gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free spaghetti.
  • For dairy-free option, omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 380
  • Fat Content: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 60 grams
  • Protein Content: 13 grams