Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish perfect for busy weeknights. Made with simple ingredients and cooked in a single pot, this pasta blends juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic into a delicious and hearty meal. It’s light yet satisfying, with minimal cleanup required.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta of choice (such as linguine or penne)cherry or grape tomatoesspinachfresh garliconionolive oildried oregano or Italian seasoningvegetable broth or waterparmesan cheese (optional)salt and pepper to tastecrushed red pepper flakes (optional)

directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the tomatoes, pasta, seasoning, salt, pepper, and vegetable broth or water to the pot.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally.

Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.

Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.

Top with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using.

Serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.

Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese for a richer texture.

Top with fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce.This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the texture of the pasta and spinach.

FAQs

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, use one can of diced tomatoes if fresh tomatoes are unavailable.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and drain before adding it to the pot.

Do I need to cook the pasta separately?

No, it all cooks together in one pot for convenience and flavor.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally during cooking and make sure there’s enough liquid.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, just omit the parmesan or use a vegan alternative.

What pasta shapes work best?

Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best, but long pasta like spaghetti also works with a bit more stirring.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mild as written, but you can adjust heat with red pepper flakes.

Can I use chicken broth instead?

Yes, it will add more depth to the flavor if you’re not keeping it vegetarian.

Does this pasta have a sauce?

Yes, it forms a light tomato-garlic broth that thickens slightly as it cooks.

Can I make it ahead?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance to speed up cooking.

Conclusion

Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta is a satisfying and wholesome meal that brings together simplicity and flavor in one dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a go-to recipe that’s both convenient and delicious. Try it once, and you’ll love how easily it fits into your dinner rotation.