Are you in the mood for a delicious, creamy, and comforting pasta dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any weeknight dinner? Look no further than One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta! This simple yet flavorful recipe brings together penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a creamy, rich sauce—all cooked together in one pot. It’s the ideal meal for busy nights when you crave something hearty and satisfying, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta, discuss its benefits, and share some helpful tips to make sure your dish turns out perfect every time. We’ll also explore why this recipe is an ideal choice for a quick family dinner or a comforting meal to enjoy alone.
Why You’ll Love One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta
When it comes to a meal that delivers in flavor, simplicity, and ease, One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta stands out. There are a few reasons why this dish should become a staple in your kitchen.
1. Minimal Cleanup
Since this recipe only requires one pot, the cleanup is quick and easy. Gone are the days of dealing with multiple pans and utensils. The beauty of a one-pot meal is that the pasta, sauce, and ingredients all cook together in harmony, resulting in fewer dishes to wash afterward.
2. Flavorful and Rich
This recipe brings together the savory flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Combined with a creamy sauce made from heavy cream and chicken stock, the result is a mouthwatering dish that is rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite.
3. Quick and Easy
With a total cooking time of around 30 minutes, One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. You don’t need hours of prep or complicated steps. Just chop a few vegetables, boil the pasta, and stir everything together for a delicious dinner in no time.
4. Customizable
Whether you prefer a bit of spice, want to swap out ingredients, or are looking to make the dish lighter, this recipe is highly customizable. Add protein like chicken or sausage for extra heartiness, or make it vegetarian by leaving out the meat. You can also adjust the level of spice by adding more or less chili flakes to suit your taste.
Ingredients for One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta
Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make this mouthwatering One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta. These simple, pantry-friendly items come together to create a savory, creamy dish that your whole family will love.
Main Ingredients:
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14 ounces penne pasta: The base of this dish, pasta serves as the hearty backbone of the meal.
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4 cups chicken stock: Adds depth of flavor and helps to cook the pasta while infusing the sauce with rich chicken flavor.
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1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and aromatic flavor to the dish.
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1 cup heavy whipping cream: The cream creates the rich, velvety sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
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4 to 5 ounces fresh spinach: Provides a fresh, earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the cream and adds some greenery to the dish.
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1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped: These bring a tangy, slightly smoky flavor that elevates the taste of the pasta.
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1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty cheese that adds the perfect finishing touch to the dish.
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1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil: This oil brings extra flavor to the dish, giving it a slight richness.
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1/3 cup tomato paste: Provides a concentrated tomato flavor that complements the sun-dried tomatoes.
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1 teaspoon red chili flakes: For a little heat to balance out the creaminess.
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5 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a wonderful depth of flavor and fragrance.
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1/4 cup fresh basil: Fresh basil adds a lovely herbaceous note to the dish.
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1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors.
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1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and warmth.
These ingredients are readily available and work wonderfully together to create a rich and satisfying meal. Now, let’s move on to the instructions.
Instructions for One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta
Making One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to make a delicious, creamy pasta dish in no time.
1. Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of chicken stock to a boil. Once the stock is boiling, add 14 ounces of penne pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Tip: Save a small amount of pasta water to add to the sauce later if it becomes too thick.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Using the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add 1 chopped onion, 5 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes. Sauté the aromatics for about 3 minutes, or until fragrant and soft.
3. Make the Sauce
Stir in 1/3 cup of tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the paste to develop its flavor. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally, letting the cream thicken slightly.
4. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach
Add 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil to the sauce. Stir to combine, then add 4 to 5 ounces of fresh spinach. Cook the spinach until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Tip: If you want extra spinach flavor, you can add more fresh spinach to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the spinach is wilted, add the cooked penne pasta to the pot. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it’s well coated. Let everything simmer for a few more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Finish the Dish
Stir in 1/2 cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of fresh basil. Season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Give everything a final toss, making sure the cheese is fully melted and everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately, and enjoy your One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta!
Tips for the Best One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta
While this recipe is simple to make, here are a few tips to elevate your One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta and make it even more delicious.
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Customize with Protein: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp for a heartier meal. You can even stir in some crispy bacon for a smoky flavor.
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Spice it Up: If you like your pasta with a little more heat, add extra red chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
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Make it Lighter: If you want a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use a plant-based cream substitute. You can also skip the cheese if you’re looking to cut back on calories.
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Extra Flavor: For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end of cooking.
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Use Fresh Tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic to bring out their natural sweetness.
Why One-Pot Meals Are a Game Changer
One-pot meals like One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta are a game changer for busy weeknights. They simplify the cooking process, minimize cleanup, and often taste just as delicious (if not better) than traditional multi-pot recipes.
These meals also allow the flavors to meld together as they cook, resulting in a cohesive dish. In the case of this pasta, the pasta absorbs the flavors of the chicken stock, tomato paste, and sun-dried tomatoes, making every bite a burst of savory goodness.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta, you’ll enjoy these other creamy, flavorful pasta recipes:
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Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna: A rich and comforting lasagna filled with spinach and mushrooms, perfect for pasta lovers.
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Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta: A spicy, creamy sausage pasta that’s packed with flavor and easy to make.
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Creamy Smoked Sausage Pasta: A Rich Flavorful Comfort Dish: A comforting, smoky pasta dish with a rich cream sauce that’s perfect for any night.
Conclusion
One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a perfect blend of savory, creamy, and fresh flavors, making it an ideal choice for busy nights when you want something delicious and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comforting, flavorful meal in under 30 minutes, with minimal cleanup required.
This dish not only saves you time but also delivers on taste, making it a crowd-pleaser for families and dinner guests alike. Plus, with endless customization options, it’s easy to make this recipe your own by adding proteins, extra vegetables, or adjusting the spice level to suit your preferences.
Give One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta a try, and we’re sure it will become a go-to recipe in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Print
One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta: A Quick, Creamy Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal that combines rich, creamy flavors and hearty pasta. With fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese, this dish offers a comforting, flavorful dinner in just one pot. Simple to prepare and even easier to clean up, it’s the ultimate go-to recipe for busy nights.
Ingredients
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14 ounces penne pasta
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4 cups chicken stock
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1 medium onion, chopped
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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4 to 5 ounces fresh spinach
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1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped
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1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
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1/3 cup tomato paste
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1 teaspoon red chili flakes
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5 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup fresh basil
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1 teaspoon kosher salt
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1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, and red chili flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
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Make Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir until combined.
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Add Spinach & Pasta: Fold in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
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Finish: Stir in the parmesan cheese, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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For a spicier version, add extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
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You can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like kale or arugula for a different twist.
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For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 4g
- Sugar: 800mg
- Sodium: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, easy pasta recipes, weeknight meal, spinach pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, one-pot pasta, creamy tomato pasta, Italian pasta recipes