Creamy One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that the whole family will love, you’ve come to the right place! This Creamy One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is not only bursting with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Imagine coming home after a long day, and in just 30 minutes, you have a vibrant, comforting meal on the table. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings—you’ll definitely want to keep it in your back pocket!

What makes this dish so special is how fresh ingredients come together seamlessly. The sweet cherry tomatoes and leafy spinach create a beautiful color palette, while the creamy sauce ties everything together. Plus, with minimal cleanup required, you can focus more on enjoying your meal and less on doing dishes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just one pot and around 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have dinner ready in no time!
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh spinach makes every bite delightful.
• Nutritious: Packed with veggies and whole grains, this dish is as healthy as it is tasty.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this creamy pasta—it’s a hit with kids and adults alike!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Creamy One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta are simple and wholesome. These everyday items come together to create a beautiful meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

• 14 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 5-6 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily swap out or add ingredients based on what you enjoy or have available. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for an extra boost of protein.
• Use Different Veggies: Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more variety.
• Make it Vegan: Omit the cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast for a delicious dairy-free option.
• Switch Up the Pasta: Use any pasta shape you like—fusilli or farfalle work beautifully too!

How to Make Creamy One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking. It makes the process smoother and more enjoyable! Finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the fresh basil if you’re using it as a garnish. Setting everything aside will save time later.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm up the olive oil. Add in those diced onions and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step is key as it brings out their natural sweetness! Next, stir in the minced garlic for about a minute until it’s fragrant—your kitchen will start smelling amazing! Finally, add tomato paste and cook for another couple of minutes until it’s deepened in color.

Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Seasonings, Broth & Pasta

Now it’s time to add some color! Toss in your halved cherry tomatoes along with the undrained canned diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in dried oregano along with red pepper flakes (if you want some heat), salt, and black pepper. Pour in your chicken stock next—this will be the base of our sauce! Add in the dry penne pasta; give everything a good stir to make sure that pasta gets submerged.

Step 4: Simmer Pasta

Turn up the heat to bring everything to a boil before reducing it to medium-low heat. Cover your pot and let it simmer for about ten minutes. This part is important because it allows the pasta to absorb all those delicious flavors! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking—after ten minutes remove the lid and give it another thorough stir every few minutes for an additional 8-12 minutes until your pasta is al dente.

Step 5: Add Spinach

Once your pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture—and there’s still some saucy liquid left—it’s time to add that beautiful fresh spinach! Fold it gently into your hot pasta mixture; you’ll see it wilt down nicely within just a few minutes.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove your pot from heat once everything looks creamy and delicious. If you’re using cheese, stir in your freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano until melted. Taste your creation—adjust seasonings if needed—and then ladle into bowls. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil and extra cheese if desired! Serve hot and enjoy every bite of this delightful Creamy One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta!

Pro Tips for Making Creamy One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

Making a delicious one-pot pasta dish is easier with a few handy tips to ensure your meal turns out perfectly every time. Here are some pro tips to elevate your cooking experience:

• Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and measure out ingredients before starting. This saves time during cooking and ensures everything is ready when you need it.

• Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Season each layer as you go! Adding salt, pepper, and herbs at different stages enhances the flavors throughout the dish.

• Adjust Consistency: If you find the pasta too dry at any point, don’t hesitate to add a splash more broth or water. This keeps everything creamy and delicious.

• Experiment with Greens: While spinach is fantastic, feel free to mix in other greens like kale or arugula for a different flavor profile and added nutrients.

• Customize Your Cheese: If you want to keep it dairy-free or vegan, substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!

How to Serve Creamy One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

Serving this vibrant dish can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas for presenting your creamy one-pot pasta that will impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top just before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
• Grated Cheese: A little extra grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can enhance creaminess and add depth of flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a light sprinkle on top not only adds spice but also visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. It’s an irresistible addition that everyone loves.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta while adding freshness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables are an excellent side that complements the flavors of the pasta while adding extra nutrients.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli not only adds color to your plate but also provides a healthy crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

With these serving suggestions and tips in mind, you’re all set to enjoy a heartwarming bowl of Creamy One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta that’s both convenient and bursting with flavor! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Creamy One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a fantastic option for meal prep! Whether you’re planning lunches for the week or making a cozy dinner ahead of time, this dish stores beautifully and is sure to be a hit.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the pasta to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To prevent drying out, you may want to add a splash of broth or water before sealing.

Freezing

• Let the pasta cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Ensure to remove as much air as possible from bags to prevent freezer burn.
• Label with the date; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little broth or water for moisture.
• Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious recipe!

Can I make Creamy One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta vegan?

Absolutely! You can easily swap out the cheese for nutritional yeast or your favorite plant-based cheese alternative. Omit any dairy ingredients to keep it completely vegan.

How can I customize my Creamy One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also include protein options such as chickpeas or grilled chicken if desired!

What should I serve with Creamy One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or garlic bread. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top elevates it even more!

How long does it take to prepare Creamy One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta?

The total time is about 45 minutes—15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Creamy One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors and comforting warmth. Perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough for gatherings, this dish promises satisfaction. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and don’t hesitate to share how it turns out! Happy cooking!