Martha’s One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta If you’ve ever wished for a pasta dish that’s fast, flavorful, and cooked in one pan—Martha’s One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta is the one to try.
It’s bold, a little spicy, and made with the kind of crispy caramelized pasta edges that make you rethink everything you know about cooking noodles. In this post, I’ll walk you through how this viral sensation became a go-to weeknight staple and why the technique behind it just works. We’ll also explore easy ways to customize it and store it. Get ready—this pasta might just earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
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Martha’s One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta
How Martha’s One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta Became a Weeknight Star
Hi there! I’m Noura, the heart behind DinnerScoop, and I’ve got a confession: I didn’t expect to fall this hard for a pasta recipe with such an intense name. But the first time I made Martha’s One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta, I was hooked. I had just wrapped up a long day and needed something comforting but different. No boiling water. No draining. Just one pan, dry spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, and a little tomato magic. The result? A rich, caramelized pasta with crispy edges and a slightly smoky finish that felt gourmet but came together in under 30 minutes.
The “assassin” nickname comes from the way the pasta aggressively toasts and crisps before simmering in its own sauce. It’s direct. It’s confident. And yes—it’s a little rebellious. Unlike traditional recipes that rely on boiling and straining, this method breaks the rules and rewards you with deep flavor and zero fuss.
Why This Pasta Recipe Has Everyone Talking
There’s something captivating about a recipe that feels effortless yet delivers so much flavor. I’ve made it after school pickups, during lazy Sundays, and even for friends who thought they’d seen every pasta trick out there. Every single time, it disappears fast.
What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity, and it’s perfect if you love recipes like my One-Pan Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Bake or crave fusion spins like Butter Chicken Lasagna. Martha’s take on assassin’s pasta taps into that same energy—quick, bold, and wildly satisfying.
Up next, I’ll break down the one-pan method so you can see exactly how it works—and why it’s changing how we think about pasta night.
One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta Technique Breakdown
The Charm of the One-Pan Method
At the heart of Martha’s One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta is its unorthodox cooking method. Instead of boiling pasta separately and making a sauce on the side, everything happens in a single skillet. You start by lightly toasting dry spaghetti in olive oil until it takes on a golden, nutty aroma. This step is key—it builds the foundation of the dish, adding a toasty depth you simply don’t get from boiling noodles in water.
Once the pasta is kissed with heat, you slowly add a tomato-water mixture directly to the pan, stirring as it absorbs like a risotto. This slow simmer lets the starches from the pasta thicken the sauce naturally, no cream or cheese needed. You end up with a silky, clinging tomato coating and edges that get beautifully crisp as the moisture evaporates.
No wonder this dish has captured hearts the same way my Bourbon Chicken Mall Style and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers did—fast cooking with big results.
What Sets “Assassin’s Pasta” Apart from Regular Recipes
Unlike typical one-pot pasta recipes where everything simmers together with little flair, assassin’s pasta plays with contrast. The bottom layer caramelizes. The top steams. And the pasta transitions through textures—crunchy, chewy, tender—all in one bite. It’s not about a smooth uniform feel. It’s about drama and balance.
That’s why it feels more like a technique than a recipe. You’re not just cooking—you’re building flavor with each layer. And it all happens without dirtying multiple pans or breaking a sweat.
If you’ve made my Chicken Cobbler Casserole or Olive Garden Chicken Pasta, you already know how a hands-off method can still deliver depth. This one-pan pasta follows that same logic—simple prep, bold flavor.
Ingredient Tips & Variations
Can You Customize Martha’s Assassin’s Pasta? Absolutely.
One of the best things about Martha’s One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta is how effortlessly you can switch it up. The base—spaghetti, tomato paste, garlic, and water—acts like a blank canvas. From there, the possibilities are wide open.
Want some heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Calabrian chili paste at the start. Craving more richness? Swirl in a pat of butter or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan near the end. You can even stir in a bit of heavy cream for a silky finish. And if you’re a garlic lover like me, double up and toss in whole cloves with the sliced ones—it infuses the oil beautifully.
Protein can also join the party. Toss in cooked chicken from a batch of Fried Chicken Chips or serve it alongside a slice of Salmon with Hot Honey Glaze. This pasta doesn’t mind the spotlight—but it plays well with others too.
Easy Pantry Swaps and Flavor Boosters
Out of spaghetti? Try linguine or bucatini. Short pasta like penne won’t crisp the same way, but they’ll still soak up the flavor if that’s what you have on hand.
Don’t have tomato paste? Use a mix of tomato puree and a spoonful of sundried tomato oil for that same umami punch. And never underestimate the power of herbs. A handful of torn basil or a touch of dried oregano right at the end can add brightness that balances the deep, caramelized flavor.
This dish encourages you to trust your instincts. Like my Buffalo Chicken Cottage Cheese Dip or Sweet Potato & Carrot Cake, it rewards you for getting a little creative.
Next up, I’ll cover serving suggestions and how to make it work for leftovers without losing those signature crispy edges.
Serving, Pairing & Make-Ahead Options
Best Sidekicks: What to Serve with Assassin’s Pasta
When you’re working with a bold pasta like this, your sides should be simple but thoughtful. I love pairing Martha’s One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta with a peppery arugula salad tossed in lemon and olive oil—it cuts through the richness and keeps things light.
You can also lean into cozy comfort with garlic bread or roasted vegetables. A quick sheet pan of zucchini or crispy Brussels sprouts balances the meal without much effort. And if you’re hosting, a citrusy drink like my Blueberry Lavender Italian Soda or a refreshing Coconut Lime Cooler really rounds things out.
This pasta is hearty on its own, but these easy sides elevate it into something you’d proudly serve to guests.
Leftovers and Storage Tips That Actually Work
Assassin’s pasta holds up surprisingly well, even a day later. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But the trick to keeping that signature texture? Reheat it in a skillet, not the microwave.
Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to the pan, stir occasionally, and let the bottom crisp again. You’ll recreate that delicious edge without overcooking the noodles.
Want to prep ahead? You can dry-toast your pasta and store it in a sealed container. That way, when you’re ready to cook, the most time-consuming step is already done. You’ll have dinner on the table in less than 20 minutes—faster than delivery, and way more rewarding.
If you’re already a fan of make-ahead recipes like my Biscoff Banana Cream Pudding or White Chocolate Pistachio Tiramisu, this pasta will easily join your repeat list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Martha’s One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta?
Martha’s One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta is a simplified take on a bold Italian cooking technique where spaghetti is toasted in oil before simmering with tomato paste and water. The result is a rich, caramelized pasta with crisp edges and a deep, smoky flavor—all made in one pan without boiling water or draining.
Why is it called “Assassin’s Pasta”?
The name “Assassin’s Pasta” (or Spaghetti all’Assassina) comes from its intense, “aggressive” method of dry-cooking the pasta before adding liquid. Unlike gentle boiling, this process crisps and toasts the noodles, creating savory, charred notes that are bold and unconventional—much like an assassin’s stealthy, striking approach.
Can I customize Martha’s One-Pan Pasta with different ingredients?
Absolutely. You can swap in other long pasta like linguine or bucatini, add heat with red pepper flakes, stir in cream or cheese for richness, or include extras like mushrooms, spinach, or cooked chicken. The recipe is flexible and built for flavor experimentation.
What makes this pasta different from traditional one-pot recipes?
Traditional one-pot pastas often cook everything together in a liquid from the start. Martha’s One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta flips that idea—starting with a dry toast in oil. This builds unique textures and deep flavor, giving you crispy edges and a thick, clingy sauce that’s more layered and robust.
Conclusion: Why This Recipe’s Staying in Your Rotation
Martha’s One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta isn’t just a clever twist on tradition—it’s a reminder that bold flavor doesn’t require complexity. From the crunchy edges to the silky tomato coating, this dish delivers drama and depth in every bite. It’s fast, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner parties. Once you taste that toasted pasta magic, you’ll understand why it’s earned a permanent place in kitchens everywhere.
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Martha’s One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta
Martha’s One-Pan Assassin’s Pasta is bold, crisp-edged, and deeply satisfying. It’s an easy no-boil recipe where pasta toasts in oil and simmers with tomato paste for flavor-packed results in one skillet.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 7 oz spaghetti (dry)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add dry spaghetti and toast for 2–3 minutes until golden.
3. Push pasta aside, sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Stir in tomato paste and red pepper flakes.
5. Slowly pour in 2 cups water.
6. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 10–12 minutes.
7. Season with salt as needed.
8. Let pasta crisp on bottom slightly before removing from heat.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
You can add cooked chicken or mushrooms for extra protein.
If pasta starts sticking, add a splash more water as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
