Rating: 3.61
(105)

One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale

March 24, 2025

This One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines spaghetti and fresh kale in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze while delivering a hearty and nutritious meal.

One-pot spaghetti with kale is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together wholesome ingredients in a single pan. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies with minimal effort while delivering big on flavor and nutrition. The beauty of a one-pot pasta lies in its simplicity – everything, including the pasta, cooks together in one pot, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes cleanup a breeze.

Kale, with its hearty texture and earthy taste, adds a nutritious and flavorful twist to classic spaghetti. As it cooks down, it becomes tender and slightly sweet, pairing perfectly with the pasta. Garlic, onions, and a splash of olive oil often form the aromatic base of the dish, giving it depth and a rich, savory aroma. Some versions might include crushed red pepper for a bit of heat, lemon juice for brightness, or a sprinkle of grated cheese to tie everything together with a creamy, salty finish.

This dish is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome but don’t have time for a sink full of dishes. The kale wilts into the spaghetti as it cooks, soaking up the starchy water and seasoning while contributing its vitamins and texture. Cooking everything in one pot not only simplifies the process, it also enhances the flavor, since the pasta absorbs all the savory goodness from the broth and aromatics.

One-pot spaghetti with kale is incredibly versatile. You can make it vegetarian by sticking with just vegetables and cheese, or you can add proteins like sausage, ground turkey, or chickpeas for a heartier meal. It pairs well with a side of crusty bread, a glass of wine, or a light salad for a more complete dinner.

This dish proves that comfort food can be both easy and nourishing. With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you get a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and goodness.

One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale
One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale
3.61 from 105 votes
This One-Pot Spaghetti with Kale is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines spaghetti and fresh kale in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze while delivering a hearty and nutritious meal.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti Use your favorite type, such as whole wheat or gluten-free
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin is preferred
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced
  • 5 cups kale Chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable broth Low-sodium recommended
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, for heat
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese Grated
  • to taste salt and pepper To season

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add chopped kale to the pot and cook until just wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  • Add spaghetti and red pepper flakes (if using), ensuring the pasta is submerged in the broth. Cook according to the pasta package instructions.
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Once the spaghetti is cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in grated parmesan cheese.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg
Calories: 400kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: kale, One-Pot Meal, Spaghetti
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar minda.ryan says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but I feel like it needs something… maybe some meat? Just doesn’t seem filling enough on its own.

    1. User avatar harold.heathcote38 says:

      2 stars
      Nah, its good as is. Don’t need meat to make a meal fillin! Just eat more spaghetti! 😂

    2. User avatar dean.gulgowski6 says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean! Adding some chicken or sausage could really make it heartier. Maybe try some grilled chicken on top?

  2. 5 stars
    This was so easy and delicious! I added some cherry tomatoes and it was a hit at dinner. Will make again!

  3. User avatar Captain Ginyu says:

    1 star
    Who puts kale in spaghetti? That’s just weird. Not trying this!

    1. 4 stars
      Kale isn’t weird! It’s super healthy and tastes great in pasta. Give it a shot!

  4. 5 stars
    This was a lifesaver! Super easy to make and the flavors were on point. I added some chicken for protein.

  5. 3 stars
    I used the gluten-free spaghetti and it was ok. My kids didn’t like it though.

    1. User avatar Kalm Yu'ogh says:

      4 stars
      Have you tried adding more seasoning? My kids love it when I sprinkle a bit of cheese on top right before serving!

  6. 4 stars
    This dish is great! I added chicken and some cherry tomatoes. Really packed with flavor!!

  7. 1 star
    Meh, didn’t really do it for me. I prefer my spaghetti plain, thank you.

    1. User avatar nicky.heller says:

      5 stars
      Plain spaghetti is so boring! You gotta try this. The kale gives it flavor and the cheese makes it creamy!!

    2. User avatar filiberto.boyer says:

      4 stars
      I get it, not everyone likes the same things. But kale adds a nice twist! Have you tried it with tomato sauce instead?

  8. User avatar meridith.ankunding99 says:

    3 stars
    Kale? What is that? Just use regular spinach! Anyway, this looks alright.

  9. User avatar michal.beer1992 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is so easy and delicious! I love the kale in it. Perfect for a quick dinner.

    1. User avatar Falmer Archer says:

      5 stars
      I made this last night and it was fantastic! Thanks for sharing such a simple recipe.

  10. User avatar tobias.adams89 says:

    3 stars
    Is parmesan cheese a must? I was thinking of using cheddar instead.

  11. User avatar Miss Kelvin Gottlieb says:

    3 stars
    My niece made this and used some weird pasta, she said it was gluten-free. It didn’t taste as good.

    1. 4 stars
      Maybe the gluten-free pasta just doesn’t have the same flavor? I usually make it with regular spaghetti and it’s delish! 🙌

  12. User avatar renate.schneider79 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is a lifesaver! I whipped it up in under 30 mins. Perfect for weeknights.

  13. User avatar idalia.reichert says:

    3 stars
    Made this last night. It’s a bit bland for my taste. Added some crushed tomatoes and more spices. Turned out better!

  14. User avatar Antwan Wuckert I says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know about adding kale. Can it be made without? Seems weird.

  15. User avatar lowell.kuvalis says:

    1 star
    I think spaghetti is supposed to have meat, right? This feels too veggy for me. Not a fan. 😒

    1. User avatar Vladimir Harkonnen says:

      4 stars
      I get where you’re coming from! But sometimes a veggie twist can be just as satisfying, you know? Give it a try before judging. 😄

    2. User avatar dee.white says:

      3 stars
      Spaghetti is good with meat, but this recipe looks interesting. Some people like it this way! Just don’t forget the meat next time! 😂

  16. 2 stars
    I tried this but the spaghetti turned out mushy. Maybe I overcooked it? Not my fave.

    1. User avatar marth.sanford99 says:

      4 stars
      Overcooked spaghetti is the worst! Make sure to set a timer next time. This recipe is still a winner in my book.

    2. User avatar irina.hauck99 says:

      3 stars
      Maybe try cooking the pasta for a minute or two less next time? It’s easy to mess up timing with one-pot meals!

  17. User avatar benjamin.runolfsdottir1952 says:

    1 star
    How could this be a meal? It’s just noodles and greens! I prefer meat with my spaghetti.

    1. User avatar leigh.stokes says:

      5 stars
      Noodles and greens are still food! Not everything needs meat. This sounds healthy and filling!

  18. User avatar donnetta.kreiger52 says:

    5 stars
    Just tried it, and wow! The cheese makes it soooo good. Definitely a keeper! 🧀❤️

  19. User avatar fe.waters2020 says:

    5 stars
    Simple & healthy! Reminds me of my grandma’s cooking but with a twist.

    1. User avatar Israel McClure says:

      5 stars
      Love this recipe! It’s so easy to make and perfect for dinner. I also add some cherry tomatoes for extra flavor!

  20. User avatar loida.reilly says:

    4 stars
    One pot? YES! So easy to clean up. I added some chicken for protein, delish!

  21. 4 stars
    Yum! But I used chicken stock instead of veggie broth and it was perfect! My family loved it.

  22. User avatar Maira Kiehn Jr. says:

    4 stars
    Hey, I tried this but forgot the cheese and it was still decent, though I bet it’s better with it.

  23. User avatar Slartibartfast says:

    4 stars
    Simple recipe, but my spaghetti turned mushy. Might have overcooked it. Gotta watch that next time!

  24. 5 stars
    So simple and quick! I added some chicken breast and it was delicious.

  25. User avatar wellRespected says:

    4 stars
    I forgot the parmesan! 😱 Still turned out okay though. Guess you can’t mess up pasta, huh?

  26. User avatar madonna.paucek2013 says:

    4 stars
    Totally yummy! I didn’t have red pepper flakes, so used some salsa instead, worked fine.

    1. User avatar geoWizard says:

      5 stars
      That’s a great idea! I might try salsa next time too.

    2. User avatar eric.kessler31 says:

      2 stars
      Salsa? Really? I dunno if that’s gonna be as good as the flakes…

  27. 5 stars
    This is such a simple recipe, loved it! The kale adds a great touch.

  28. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    5 stars
    Super easy and can make big batch! Yesss!

    1. User avatar kermit.ruecker2023 says:

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe and it was super good! I added some chicken for protein, yum!

  29. User avatar van.kunde2021 says:

    2 stars
    I’m not sure about this recipe. It sounds weird, kale in spaghetti? Why would you do that?

  30. User avatar tamar.pollich31 says:

    5 stars
    Spaghetti with kale? Sounds like a health nut thing. My husband won’t eat greens, but I loved it! 🎉

  31. User avatar homer.halvorson says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know why people put kale in everything. Can’t you just stick with spinach? 🤔

  32. User avatar shirley.legros86 says:

    5 stars
    This was awesome! So quick and easy! I love the kale.

  33. User avatar maire.toy1952 says:

    2 stars
    Spaghetti with broth? Sounds odd. My mom makes it different.

  34. User avatar Falmer Nightprowler says:

    3 stars
    I think pasta is supposed to be unhealthy, right? 🤔 Not sure about this dish… But I will try!

    1. User avatar kerri.koepp says:

      3 stars
      Nah, pasta ain’t all bad! It got carbs but it’s good for energy! Just don’t eat too much cheese, lol!

    2. 4 stars
      Pasta can be unhealthy if you eat too much of it, but this recipe has kale! That makes it healthier, right? Hope you enjoy it!

  35. User avatar Sadye Pouros says:

    4 stars
    So easy to make! I love one-pot meals. This is now on my weeknight rotation.

  36. User avatar kelley.krajcik1959 says:

    5 stars
    It’s easy, quick, and tasty! I used a gluten-free pasta and it worked just fine. Plus, only one pot to clean!

    1. User avatar olen.schulist says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad to hear it turned out well with gluten-free pasta! I’ve been looking for quick meals. Thanks for sharing!

  37. 2 stars
    Kale? Ugh, no. Just spaghetti with some tomato sauce next time. This recipe made no sense to me.

  38. User avatar mitch.hand2020 says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical about kale in pasta, but it actually turned out great! Way better than expected.

  39. User avatar nedra.funk says:

    3 stars
    Too bland for my taste. Even adding more salt didn’t help. Might need to add some bacon next time?

    1. User avatar alla.schneider says:

      4 stars
      I found it quite tasty! But maybe try more spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning instead of bacon. Bacon might change the dish too much!

  40. User avatar eufemia.witting69 says:

    5 stars
    Yum!!!! Spaghet and kale are the perfect match. I added some lemon juice for zing, fab.

  41. User avatar clayton.kulas95 says:

    1 star
    Why is everyone raving about this? I think it needs more sauce or something… bland.

  42. User avatar lamont.herzog says:

    5 stars
    So good.

  43. User avatar elijah.rice says:

    3 stars
    Tastes amazing but can someone tell me why they call it one-pot? It feels more like one pot and a bowl!

    1. User avatar gabriel.gaylord54 says:

      3 stars
      One pot is a lie! You gotta use a bowl for the cheese! 😂 But I love this recipe!

    2. User avatar ignacio.roberts says:

      4 stars
      I think they call it one-pot because it’s mostly done in one pot, but yeah, bowl for serving! Great recipe though!

  44. User avatar hulda.kling says:

    5 stars
    This was surprisingly good! I didn’t think kale would taste nice but it was great!

  45. User avatar Trin Tragula says:

    4 stars
    Yum! I added some extra garlic and it turned out awesome! Definitely making this again.

  46. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    4 stars
    Delicious! Reminds me of my grandma’s cooking. I used gluten-free pasta and it turned out great. Thanks!

  47. User avatar artie.leuschke0 says:

    2 stars
    I dunno, the kale is weird. Not my fav ingredient. Maybe regular ol’ spinach next time? Probably wouldn’t make again.

  48. User avatar Pasta Fasta says:

    3 stars
    Just okay. Not worth the effort for me. Sorry!

  49. User avatar asa.wintheiser52 says:

    3 stars
    Took me longer than expected, but it came out delicious. A little too much heat tho `for my kids! Otherwise, yum!

  50. User avatar reena.crooks says:

    5 stars
    Yum! Added some chicken too and it made it even better!

  51. User avatar sari.shanahan says:

    2 stars
    This isn’t real pasta. Spaghetti should be with meat, not greens!

    1. User avatar elroy.howe59 says:

      4 stars
      Kale is good for you! You gotta try new things, it might surprise you.

    2. User avatar Barliman Butterbur says:

      2 stars
      Real pasta is made with meat! This recipe is just wrong.

  52. User avatar stacie.hackett says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely loved this recipe! So simple and healthy. The kale adds such a nice touch to the spaghetti. Will definitely make again!

    1. User avatar kraig.kemmer86 says:

      3 stars
      Tried it today, but I didn’t like the kale much. Maybe next time I’ll go for spinach instead.

    2. User avatar carey.hermiston57 says:

      5 stars
      I agree! This dish is incredibly easy to make. The kale really adds a punch of nutrition!

  53. User avatar long.effertz says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know about this one… Spaghetti with kale? Sounds weird. But I’ll try it.

  54. User avatar idell.turcotte says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have vegetable broth, so I used chicken broth… still tasty! Just a tip for others in a pinch.

  55. User avatar devora.krajcik says:

    5 stars
    Just made this and it looks so pretty! 🥗 Can’t wait to eat it! Smells amazing too!

  56. User avatar aurora.wintheiser2009 says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but I wouldn’t serve it to guests. Might work better as a side dish. Pretty bland overall.

    1. User avatar Draugr Wight says:

      3 stars
      Not sure what you mean by bland, maybe try some more garlic or add spinach instead of kale? Just a thought!

    2. User avatar nan.swaniawski54 says:

      4 stars
      I think it’s a simple dish and can be upgraded with some herbs or spices! Just needs a lil’ kick!

  57. User avatar chung.welch2006 says:

    1 star
    Who puts kale in spaghetti?? That’s weird. I don’t think I will try this.

    1. User avatar damian.schultz97 says:

      4 stars
      Kale is actually really nutritious. You might change your mind once you try it! 🥗

    2. User avatar melodee.bednar says:

      2 stars
      Seems pretty odd to me too. Can’t it just be normal spaghetti? 😕

  58. 5 stars
    This was a hit at my house! My kids loved it! Will make again 🙂

  59. User avatar Waylon Sauer says:

    4 stars
    Honestly, I was skeptical about the kale in my spaghetti, but it turned out surprisingly good. Who knew?!

  60. User avatar darren.quitzon says:

    5 stars
    I added more garlic cause I love it! Yum!

  61. User avatar liberal.hero says:

    5 stars
    This is a fantastic recipe! So easy and delicious. My kids even loved it!

    1. User avatar jess.crona11 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! This dish is a hit with my family too. It’s so simple to make, and the kids love eating their greens!

    2. User avatar betsey.bergnaum35 says:

      3 stars
      Really? I found it a bit bland. Maybe I just need to add more spices next time? But I’m glad your kids liked it.

  62. 5 stars
    This was a hit at dinner! The whole family loved it, especially the parmesan cheese. Will definitely make again!

  63. 2 stars
    I think kale is bad for your thyoid! Be careful with this recipe. Should stick to regular veggies.

    1. User avatar jeremiah.kuvalis81 says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, kale is kinda weird. My aunt says it’s poison for your thyroid, but I like it anyway. What’s a good substitute if I don’t want to risk it?

    2. User avatar evan.wunsch85 says:

      5 stars
      I think kale is actually really good for you! It’s packed with nutrients. Don’t let the thyroid thing scare you too much. This recipe sounds delicious!

  64. User avatar cedrick.champlin1 says:

    4 stars
    Easy to make, and healthy! I liked it a lot, thank you!

  65. 1 star
    Too salty for me. Needs less cheese too, maybe. I like simple spaghetti better.

    1. User avatar maximo.ward38 says:

      4 stars
      I totally understand! I prefer simpler flavors too. Maybe try reducing the salt and cheese next time?

  66. User avatar adeline.rowe says:

    2 stars
    Not what I thought it would taste like. The kale was too strong for me 🙁 Maybe less next time.

    1. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

      3 stars
      Too much kale? I loved it! Maybe you should give it another shot. Just less kale, lol.

    2. 4 stars
      I get that! Kale can be super strong. Maybe try spinach instead next time?

  67. 2 stars
    Not a fan. The kale was just weird in pasta, and it didn’t taste as good as I hoped. Might stick to traditional recipes.

3.61 from 105 votes
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