A weeknight revelation, this One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta offers comfort and convenience in every bite. If you’re looking for a delicious meal that can be made with minimal effort and cleanup, you’re in the right place! This recipe is not just a favorite of mine, but also perfect for busy days when you want something nourishing and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s great for family gatherings or even a cozy night in – because who doesn’t love a hearty pasta dish?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just one pot, you can whip up this dish in about 50 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
Nourishing Ingredients: Packed with fresh spinach and tomatoes, this recipe is as healthy as it is tasty.
Family-Friendly: The flavors appeal to all ages, so everyone at the table will be happy.
Versatile Options: Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or what you have on hand!
Minimal Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot, you’ll spend less time cleaning up after dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is simple, thanks to these wholesome ingredients. You likely already have many of them in your pantry! Let’s gather what you need to get started:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups chicken stock
14 oz penne pasta
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
5-6 oz fresh spinach (about 5-6 cups packed)
Optional garnishes: freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, extra drizzle of olive oil, or a squeeze of lemon juice

Variations

One of the best things about this One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is how flexible it is! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste. Here are some fun variations:

Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Make It Creamy: Stir in some cream cheese or nutritional yeast for a rich, creamy texture.
Change the Greens: Swap spinach for kale or arugula based on what you have.
Add More Veggies: Throw in bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

How to Make One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before we dive into cooking, let’s prep everything! Dice your onion, mince the garlic, and open up those tomato cans. Measure out your chicken stock and set aside the pasta, spinach, and seasonings. Having everything ready will make cooking so much smoother!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, warm up that olive oil. Add your diced onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step is key because sautéing the onions brings out their sweetness and forms a flavorful base for your sauce.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spice It Up

Next up, toss in the minced garlic along with red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous! Stir continuously for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant—just be careful not to burn that lovely garlic.

Step 4: Combine Tomatoes

Pour in both the crushed tomatoes and undrained diced tomatoes. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes. This helps meld those delicious flavors together before adding the pasta.

Step 5: Introduce Chicken Stock and Pasta

Now it’s time to stir in the chicken stock! Add your penne pasta too; make sure it’s submerged by gently pressing down with a spoon. This ensures even cooking throughout.

Step 6: Cook Until Al Dente

Raise the heat to bring everything to a boil before reducing it back down to a gentle simmer. Cover your pot and cook while stirring every couple of minutes for about 10-15 minutes until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Step 7: Season It Up

Once your pasta is cooked just right, stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Give it a taste test! Adjust any seasonings if needed because we want this dish bursting with flavor.

Step 8: Add Fresh Spinach

Finally, fold in that fresh spinach! Stir gently until wilted down—this usually takes about 1-2 minutes. If you want to boost flavor even more at this stage, consider adding halved cherry tomatoes or rinsed chickpeas.

Step 9: Final Touches

Taste one last time before serving; maybe add more salt or pepper according to your preference. A little squeeze of lemon juice could brighten things up perfectly!

Step 10: Serve It Up!

Ladle generous portions of that steaming hot pasta into bowls. Don’t forget optional garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil leaves! Serve immediately while it’s still warm and enjoy every comforting bite of this One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta!

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

Cooking this delightful One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta can be even easier and more enjoyable with a few helpful tips!

Prep Ingredients in Advance: Chopping onions, garlic, and measuring out your ingredients beforehand saves time during cooking and helps you avoid any last-minute scrambling.
Use High-Quality Tomatoes: Opting for good-quality crushed and diced tomatoes enhances the flavor of the sauce, making it richer and more satisfying.
Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stirring every few minutes while cooking prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot, ensuring even cooking and a creamy sauce.
Taste As You Go: Adjusting flavors throughout the cooking process allows you to customize the dish to your palate, ensuring it’s just right for you and your family.
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. This boosts nutrition and adds vibrant colors to your dish!

How to Serve One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

Serving this comforting pasta dish can be as delightful as preparing it! Here are some creative ways to present it at your dinner table.

Garnishes

Fresh Basil Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh basil not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fragrant touch that complements the tomato sauce beautifully.
Grated Nutritional Yeast: For a cheesy flavor without cheese, nutritional yeast is an excellent choice that appeals to non-dairy eaters.
Drizzle of Olive Oil: A finishing drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and depth, making each bite of pasta feel indulgent.

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, garlic bread is a classic side that complements pasta dishes wonderfully.
Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add color and extra nutrients while contrasting nicely with the warm pasta.
Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: These bright green sides provide a lovely crunch and balance out the meal with their mild flavors.

Enjoy your One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta with these serving suggestions for an unforgettable weeknight dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week without any hassle. Here are some practical tips for storing, freezing, and reheating your pasta.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
If possible, separate the pasta from the sauce to help maintain its texture.

Freezing

To freeze, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Consider portioning it out into individual servings for easy meals later.

Reheating

Reheat in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying out.
You can also reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of chicken stock or water as needed.
Stir well while reheating until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use other types of pasta in this One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to substitute penne with your favorite pasta type such as fusilli or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How can I make this One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta vegan?

To make this dish vegan-friendly, simply omit any cheese garnishes and replace chicken stock with vegetable broth. You can also add extra nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!

What can I serve alongside One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.

How do I store leftovers of One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions.

Can I add protein to One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta?

Definitely! You can stir in cooked chickpeas or white beans for added protein. Alternatively, sauté some plant-based sausage before adding it to the pot with your tomatoes.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta as much as I do! It’s not just about convenience; it’s also packed with flavors that come together beautifully in one pot. Whether you’re preparing it for dinner tonight or meal prepping for busy days ahead, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds. Happy cooking and savor every bite!