One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, vibrant meal that comes together in a flash, this One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a luscious blend of tender penne, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy tomato sauce all cooked in one pot, making cleanup just as easy as the cooking. Bursting with bold flavors, a touch of heat, and gooey parmesan cheese, this pasta delivers a perfect balance of freshness and indulgence that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, the One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is here to make your meal time joyful and stress-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delightful One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta, you’ll gather ingredients that bring layers of flavor and richness while keeping things super straightforward. Each component plays a vital role, from the tangy sun-dried tomatoes to the mild creaminess of the heavy whipping cream, ensuring every bite is satisfying and full-bodied.

• 14 ounces penne pasta: The perfect shape to soak up the sauce and hold onto every bit of creamy tomato goodness.
• 4 cups chicken stock: Adds a savory depth and helps build the silky sauce base.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Brings subtle sweetness and texture once sautéed.
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates that rich, velvety mouthfeel that makes this pasta irresistible.
• 4 to 5 ounces fresh spinach: Adds a burst of vibrant green color and a gentle earthy flavor.
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped: Provides intense tomato flavor with a hint of chewiness.
• 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese: Melts in for that nutty, melty finish and adds depth.
• 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil: Brings extra richness and a concentrated tomato essence for sautéing.
• 1/3 cup tomato paste: Amplifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes: Adds just a gentle kick to elevate the dish without overpowering it.
• 5 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the base with aromatic warmth and subtle pungency.
• 1/4 cup fresh basil: Introduces a fresh, fragrant note to the final dish.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle bite and rounds out the seasoning.

How to Make One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the sun-dried tomato oil in your pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chopped onion and cook until it’s lightly browned and tender — this caramelization adds a natural sweetness you’ll love. Then toss in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook these for a few minutes, stirring often to avoid burning the garlic. Finally, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another couple of minutes, which helps deepen the rich tomato flavor that will anchor your sauce.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Next, pour in the chicken stock gradually, using it to deglaze the pot and lift all those tasty browned bits from the bottom. Once the stock is well incorporated, stir in the heavy whipping cream gently to create a luxuriously creamy base. Season everything with black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes, making sure the spice blends evenly through the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Drop the penne pasta straight into the pot and stir it into your sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low and let your pasta cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. Keep stirring frequently so the noodles cook evenly and don’t stick to the bottom. Aim to cook the pasta about 75% through because it will finish cooking in the next step, soaking up even more flavor.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking

Now it’s time to add the fresh spinach and chopped basil. Stir them into the pot, allowing the spinach to wilt down and blend into the sauce. If you notice the mixture looks too thick or dry, add a splash of water or more chicken stock to reach your desired sauciness. Finally, sprinkle the shredded parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until it melts completely, making the sauce creamy, cheesy, and irresistible.

Step 5: Finalize and Serve One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

Turn off the heat and give everything a final stir to combine the flavors beautifully. Scoop generous portions into serving bowls, and if you’re feeling fancy or want to add some protein, top with grilled chicken. Each bite of this hearty, creamy One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is sure to bring comfort and joy to your dinner table.

How to Serve One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

To elevate your One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta, think fresh and flavorful. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top enhances the cheesy goodness. Fresh basil leaves scattered over the dish add a wonderful herbal aroma and vibrant green pop. You might also consider a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of chili flakes for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines wonderfully on its own, but you can round out the meal with simple sides that complement its rich flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess perfectly. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette offers a comforting, crunchy side to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli make a bright, nutritious pairing and add more texture to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta in individual mini cocottes or ramekins for a charming, rustic presentation. Another idea is plating it as a pasta stack topped with a fresh basil leaf and parmesan shard, making it look almost gourmet without any extra fuss. You could even toss in some toasted pine nuts or a swirl of pesto for added color and crunch that will impress your family or guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making for a delicious second meal. Just be sure to cool the pasta before sealing it to keep everything fresh and prevent excess moisture.

Freezing

If you want to save this dish for even longer, you can freeze it, though cream-based sauces sometimes change texture when frozen. To maintain the best quality, freeze in small portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to avoid curdling.

Reheating

When reheating your One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta, do it slowly to preserve that creamy texture. Warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick. The microwave works too, but cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to prevent uneven heating.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version that still packs all the rich flavor and creaminess you love.

What pasta works best for One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta?

Penne is ideal because its tubular shape holds onto the sauce exceptionally well, but you can also use rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli for this recipe without any problem.

Is it okay to use dried spinach instead of fresh?

Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds that lovely pop of color and freshness. Dried spinach won’t provide the same texture or vibrant taste, so fresh is definitely best here.

Can I add protein to this pasta?

Yes, grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta all make great additions if you want to turn this pasta into a heartier meal with extra protein.

How spicy is this recipe?

The red chili flakes add a gentle warmth without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount, or if you love spice, feel free to add more to your taste.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is genuinely one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for those nights when you want a home-cooked meal without the fuss. I can’t recommend you try making this recipe enough because it’s both a crowd-pleaser and a trusty weeknight winner. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals too!

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