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One pot, six ingredients and (less than) 30 minutes is all it takes to get a delicious, homemade dinner on the table tonight! This hearty one pot pasta is loaded with flavors of smoked gouda and sun dried tomatoes in a creamy, dreamy sauce.

Garnish with fresh parsley and you’ve got an elevated version of mac and cheese that your kids will still love!

One Pot Smoked Gouda & Sun Dried Tomato Pasta | Midwest Foodie

How do I make one pot pasta?

Well, as the name suggests, you will cook everything in the same pot! This means you don’t need to bring water to a boil, boil noodles and strain noodles while at the same time cooking your sauce. You are going to put all the ingredients into the pot and let it go!

The starch from the noodles will help to thicken the sauce and create the most creamy, dreamy smoked gouda and sun dried tomato pasta you’ve ever had!

Cast iron dutch oven filled with ingredients to make one pot pasta with smoked gouda and sun dried tomato

What kind of pot should I use?

The best pot to use is the pot you have. That’s an old photography quote – the best camera is the one you have with you. Basically, use whatever you’ve got. A large cast iron pot was my weapon of choice for this dish. However, a large dutch oven or just the pot you usually use to make pasta will work great also.

A cast iron dutch oven filled with one pot pasta being stirred with a wooden spoon

What kind of pasta should I use?

I LOVE to use cavatappi in this recipe. I like the spiral shape and the way the sauce clings to every nook and cranny. I prefer to use smaller cuts of pasta (as opposed to spaghetti or fettuccine noodles) for my one pot pastas because the longer pastas will likely have to be broken in half to fit in the pan. Rigatoni, penne, fusilli, even macaroni noodles would be delish in this dish!

Do I have to use smoked gouda?

Not necessarily. But I would highly recommend that you do! Any melty cheese would work fine but a smoked cheese is preferred for this dish. Smoked mozzarella is one of my favorites too!

If you haven’t tried smoked cheeses before, this is a great recipe to try them in. The smokiness of the cheese gives this dish a meaty flavor without the addition of any meat. It’s a great way to please the carnivores in your life while still enjoying plant based or vegetarian meals.

Can I make one pot pasta ahead of time?

Yes! I love to make a big batch of this pasta at the beginning of the week and then have it for lunch everyday. Just add a splash of cream or vegetable broth before reheating as the sauce will thicken over time and absorb into the pasta. I also recommend reheating it in a pan on the stove if possible.

As I mentioned before, our microwave broke, so we’ve been forced to go back in time and heat everything on the stove. And I have to tell you, I have no plans of getting a new microwave any time soon! Food reheated on the stove top heats so much more evenly and it doesn’t dry out like it does in a microwave!

What should I serve with one pot pasta?

I like to serve my pasta with a classic bread and green salad combo. If I have time I’ll whip up my favorite focaccia or grab a hearty loaf of one love bread from the grocery store.

I usually try to keep the salad simple with local greens and whatever veggies are in season. My favorite quick and easy dressing is my grilled lemon vinaigrette.

And sometimes, I just pour myself a big glass of wine, sit down with a fork and a pot of pasta and call it dinner!