Tomato Spinach One-Pot Pasta is a quick, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, and pasta cooked in a flavorful broth, this dish is creamy, comforting, and packed with nutrients—all made in just one pot for minimal cleanup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot meal – Less mess, easy cleanup.
- Quick and simple – Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthy and flavorful – Loaded with fresh spinach, tomatoes, and aromatic seasonings.
- Customizable – Easily add protein or other veggies.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne, linguine, or spaghetti)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh spinach
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Directions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add ingredients: Pour in broth, then add pasta, cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Simmer and cook: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.
- Add spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Add protein – Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Make it creamy – Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk.
- Spicy version – Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as pasta may become mushy.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Use one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes if fresh aren’t available.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rotini holds up well, but spaghetti also works.
How do I prevent pasta from sticking?
Stir frequently while cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, if you use vegetable broth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but it reheats well with a little extra liquid.
What herbs go well with this pasta?
Basil, oregano, or parsley add great flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, but you may need to add extra broth and adjust the cooking time.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A side salad, garlic bread, or grilled chicken pairs well.
Conclusion
Tomato Spinach One-Pot Pasta is a simple, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal prep and just one pot, it’s an easy way to enjoy a delicious homemade pasta dish with fresh ingredients. Give it a try and enjoy a stress-free dinner!
PrintTomato Spinach One-Pot Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Tomato Spinach One-Pot Pasta is a simple, flavorful, and healthy meal made with fresh tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup easy and dinner ready in just 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or gluten-free pasta)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 can diced tomatoes)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the pasta & broth: Place uncooked pasta in the pot, then add tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and vegetable broth. Stir well.
- Cook everything together: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
- Add protein: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Make it vegan: Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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