One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale

Featured in: Simple Home Meals

This dish features dried spaghetti cooked together with curly kale and halved cherry tomatoes in a rich vegetable broth infused with oregano, basil, and garlic. The simple one-pot method saves time and cleanup, while finishing with grated Parmesan adds a creamy, sharp note. The result is a warm, hearty meal perfect for busy evenings, offering tender pasta and cooked greens balanced by fresh tomato flavors and fragrant herbs.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:30:00 GMT
Steaming one-pot spaghetti with kale and tomatoes, garnished with fresh basil, ready to serve and enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Steaming one-pot spaghetti with kale and tomatoes, garnished with fresh basil, ready to serve and enjoy. | lovelyserena.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.

We first tried this recipe on a busy Wednesday and it became an instant favorite. The spaghetti soaks up the savory broth while kale and tomatoes add bright flavor, making it a meal that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients

  • Dried spaghetti: 350 g (12 oz)
  • Curly kale: 200 g (7 oz), stems removed, leaves roughly chopped
  • Cherry tomatoes: 400 g (14 oz), halved
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic cloves: 3, minced
  • 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 (optional): for drizzling

Instructions

Cook the onion:
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.
Add garlic:
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add vegetables and pasta:
Add cherry tomatoes, kale, dried spaghetti, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer:
Bring to a simmer, using tongs to gently stir and ensure spaghetti is submerged.
Cook covered:
Cover and cook 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spaghetti is al dente and kale is tender. Add a splash of broth or water if needed.
Finish:
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and toss to combine.
Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a drizzle of extra olive oil if desired.
A close-up shot of the vibrant one-pot spaghetti, featuring tender kale and bright red tomatoes. Save to Pinterest
A close-up shot of the vibrant one-pot spaghetti, featuring tender kale and bright red tomatoes. | lovelyserena.com

Our family loves sharing this meal together—especially when everyone gathers in the kitchen to help prep the veggies and set the table for dinner.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains wheat and milk. Use gluten-free spaghetti and dairy-free cheese as needed. Always check labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 380 calories, 10 g fat, 60 g carbohydrates, 13 g protein

Warm, comforting bowl of one-pot spaghetti with fresh Parmesan; perfect for a quick, delicious dinner. Save to Pinterest
Warm, comforting bowl of one-pot spaghetti with fresh Parmesan; perfect for a quick, delicious dinner. | lovelyserena.com

This one-pot pasta makes weeknight cooking both simple and delicious. Enjoy the fresh flavors and easy cleanup!

Ask About This Recipe

Can I substitute spinach for kale?

Yes, fresh spinach can be used as a milder alternative to kale. Add it towards the end of cooking to prevent over-wilting.

How do I keep the spaghetti from sticking?

Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth and stir occasionally. Adding a bit more broth or water during cooking helps prevent sticking.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

You can use a plant-based hard cheese or omit the cheese entirely for a vegan-friendly option without sacrificing flavor.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, simply use gluten-free spaghetti to adapt this dish for gluten-free needs.

Can I add protein to this dish?

For extra protein, add drained chickpeas or white beans during cooking to complement the vegetables and pasta.

One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale

A flavorful one-pot pasta combining spaghetti, kale, and cherry tomatoes in a savory broth.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
20 minutes
Overall Time
30 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details No Meat

What You 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, for garnish
03 Extra olive oil, for drizzling (optional)

How To Make It

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add finely 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 halved cherry tomatoes, chopped kale, dried spaghetti, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the pan.

Step 04

Simmer Pasta: Bring mixture to a simmer. Use tongs to gently stir, ensuring the spaghetti is fully submerged in the liquid.

Step 05

Cook Covered: Cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until spaghetti reaches al dente texture and kale is tender. Add additional broth or water as needed to prevent sticking.

Step 06

Finish with Cheese: Remove from heat. Sprinkle grated Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese over the dish and toss gently to combine.

Step 07

Serve: Plate the spaghetti 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 Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and milk (dairy from Parmesan cheese).
  • For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free spaghetti.
  • For dairy-free, omit cheese or use a suitable dairy-free alternative.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 380
  • Lipids: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Proteins: 13 g