One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This one-pot spinach tomato pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich sauce, it comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. Enjoy a hearty plate with simple ingredients and big taste.

Ingredients

• 5 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar of tomatoes)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (thinly sliced)
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 14 oz penne pasta
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (finely grated for best melting)
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, from a jar)
• 1 medium onion (diced)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Once warm, add the diced onion and cook until slightly browned. Then add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
2. Step 2: Slowly pour in the chicken stock, stirring to deglaze the pan and combine with the tomato paste. Once mixed, add the heavy cream and stir well. Season with black pepper, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes, incorporating them fully into the sauce.
3. Step 3: Add the penne pasta to the pot and stir to coat it in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Check the pasta often and cook until it is about 75% done.
4. Step 4: Add the fresh spinach and sliced basil to the pot, allowing the spinach to wilt. If the spinach absorbs too much liquid, add a little water or chicken stock to maintain the sauce consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and is evenly distributed.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat and mix everything together until creamy and well combined. Serve immediately, optionally topping with grilled chicken for added protein. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful pasta!

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten sensitivities.
• Add cooked mushrooms or bell peppers for extra vegetable variety and texture.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes gradually to taste.
• Shredded mozzarella can replace Parmesan for a milder cheese flavor.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce if it becomes thick.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock and omit any added meat toppings to keep the dish vegetarian.

Is it possible to use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes can be used, but they will create a different texture and flavor. Consider roasting or sautéing them beforehand to bring out sweetness and depth similar to sun-dried tomatoes.

One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 796 reviews

This One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese with tender penne pasta cooked in a rich tomato cream sauce. Prepared entirely in one pot, this recipe offers an easy and satisfying meal with a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and fresh herb notes. Ideal for weeknight dinners, it brings comfort food with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Produce

• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
• 5 oz fresh spinach

Pantry

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes)
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 14 oz penne pasta
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (from a jar)

Dairy

• 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (finely grated)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Once the oil is warm, add the diced onion and cook until slightly browned. Next, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently to keep the garlic from burning. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, continuing to stir to develop the flavors.
2. Build the Sauce: Slowly pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pot, stirring to blend it with the tomato paste and vegetables evenly. Once the mixture is combined, add the heavy cream and mix well. Season with the black pepper, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes, stirring thoroughly to incorporate the spices into the creamy tomato sauce.
3. Cook the Pasta: Add the penne pasta directly into the pot and stir to coat it with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta until it is approximately 75% done, checking periodically to achieve the desired tenderness.
4. Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking: Incorporate the fresh spinach and sliced basil into the pot, allowing the spinach to wilt down naturally. If the liquid level decreases too much due to spinach absorption, add a bit more water or chicken stock to maintain a saucy consistency. Once the spinach has fully wilted, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
5. Finalize and Serve: Turn off the heat and give everything a final stir to ensure the pasta is creamy and well combined. Serve the pasta hot in bowls. Optionally, top with grilled chicken for added protein and a heartier meal. Enjoy your delicious, creamy tomato spinach pasta!

Notes

• Be sure to stir frequently when cooking the garlic to prevent burning, which can cause bitterness.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
• If the pasta absorbs too much liquid and becomes dry, add additional chicken stock or water a little at a time.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth.
• Grate Parmesan cheese finely for better melting and creaminess.

Keywords: One-Pot Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Spinach Pasta, Tomato Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Easy Dinner, Italian Pasta Recipe