Oh, I absolutely ADORE one-pot meals! Seriously, who has time for a mountain of dishes after a long day? That’s why I’m so thrilled to share my absolute go-to: the Irresistible Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta Recipe. This dish is pure magic – it tastes like you slaved away for hours, but you didn’t! I remember first throwing this together on a crazy weeknight when I was exhausted. I tossed in some pantry staples and, *poof*, dinner was served, leaving me with just one pot to wash. It’s become a total lifesaver in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta Recipe

So, why is this my absolute favorite weeknight wonder? Let me tell you!

Crazy Fast: We’re talking dinner on the table in about 25 minutes total. It’s a lifesaver when hunger strikes hard and fast!
One Pot = Less Mess! This is where the magic really happens. Everything cooks together, drastically cutting down on dishes. More time for you, less time scrubbing!
Bursting with Flavor: Even though it’s simple, the combination of juicy tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and fresh spinach creates a sauce that’s just *chef’s kiss*. So satisfying!
Super Adaptable: What I love most is how easy it is to jazz up. Add some leftover grilled chicken, cooked sausage, or even some quick-cooking shrimp for a heartier meal. It’s really forgiving!
Sneaky Veggies: You get a good dose of healthy spinach wilted right into that delicious sauce, making it feel like a wholesome meal without even trying.
Crowd-Pleaser Potential: My family (even the picky eaters!) usually devours this. It’s got that comforting pasta vibe that just works.

Gather Your Ingredients for Irresistible Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta

Alright, let’s get down to business! Gathering your ingredients is honestly the longest part of this whole process, and even that’s super quick. Trust me, the magic in this Irresistible Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta Recipe comes from keeping things simple and using good quality basics. Here’s what you’ll need:

First up, the pasta! I usually go for about 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape. Penne, rotini, farfalle – whatever you have in the pantry works great. Just make sure it’s a shape that can hold onto that yummy sauce. Then, you’ll need 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes. This is the backbone of our sauce, giving it that rich, tomatoey goodness. Don’t skimp here; good crushed tomatoes make all the difference!

For the liquid, we’re talking 4 cups of vegetable broth. This helps the pasta cook perfectly and creates a beautiful sauce as it simmers down. And for that classic Italian flavor? We’ve got 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. These pantry staples really wake up the tomato flavor. A little something for a tiny kick, if you’re feeling it: 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. It’s totally optional, but I love it for just a hint of warmth. Of course, we’ll season with salt and black pepper to taste – always! Finally, the star veggie: 5 ounces of fresh spinach. Just dump it right in at the end; it wilts down so fast and adds a fantastic freshness and color. If you like, you can also have about 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese ready for serving!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Irresistible Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta

Alright, deep breaths! This is where the magic *really* happens and you’ll see just how darn easy this Irresistible Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta Recipe is. Honestly, it’s almost laughable. Grab yourself a big pot or a Dutch oven – one that’s roomy enough for everything we’re about to toss in. No need for fancy gadgets here!

Everything In! First things first, let’s get all those yummy ingredients into that pot. We’re talking your pound of pasta, that glorious 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, and the 4 cups of vegetable broth – this is what’s going to cook our pasta and make the sauce. Next, sprinkle in those dried herbs: the 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and the 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Don’t forget the 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and, if you like a little zing, the 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Give it all a good stir to combine. See? Already so simple!
Bring to a Boil, Then Simmer. Now, crank up the heat to medium-high. We want this beautiful mess to come to a rolling boil. Once it’s bubbling away, take it down to medium heat. This is where the cooking happens, folks! Let it simmer away, uncovered. You’ll want to stir it every so often – maybe every couple of minutes. This is super important to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot and cooks evenly. We’re looking for the pasta to get nice and tender, or ‘al dente,’ which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it!
Wilt that Spinach! Once your pasta is cooked just right, it’s time for the greens! Grab that big handful of fresh spinach and stir it right into the pot. Don’t be shocked when it looks like way too much – it wilts down incredibly fast! Just keep stirring gently until all the spinach is soft and beautiful, which should only take about 2-3 minutes. It adds such gorgeous color and a lovely, fresh taste.
Season it Up! Now for the final touch: taste and season! Add salt and black pepper until it tastes just right to *you*. This is your chance to make it perfect. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch more salt, other times it’s just right. You know your taste buds best!
Serve and Enjoy! Ladle your gorgeous pasta into bowls. If you’re feeling fancy (and why not?), sprinkle a little bit of that grated Parmesan cheese over the top. That’s it! Dinner is served straight from the pot. Easy peasy, right? And if you love a little kick and want to make your own flavor booster, check out my homemade chili garlic sauce – it’s amazing drizzled on top!

Tips for Success with Your One Pot Wonder

Okay, so this Irresistible Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta Recipe is pretty foolproof, but I’ve picked up a few little tricks along the way that just make it *even better*. Here are my top bits of advice!

First off, don’t be afraid to switch up the pasta! While penne or rotini are my go-to, really any medium-sized shape works. Just make sure it’s not something super tiny like orzo, as it can get a bit lost. Also, if you’re a real garlic fiend like me, feel free to mince up a clove or two and toss it in with everything else at the beginning. It adds another delicious layer!

Another thing – watch that simmering time! Pasta cooking times can vary a bit by brand, so start checking around the 10-minute mark. You want it al dente, not mushy. And if it looks a little too dry before the pasta’s done, just splash in a bit more broth or even some water. It’s seriously that forgiving!

Serving Suggestions for Your Tomato Spinach Pasta

This Irresistible Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta Recipe is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but oh boy, can you make it even better! I love serving it with a simple, crisp side salad. My go-to is usually something light like a fresh pickled cucumber salad to cut through the richness. A warm, crusty bread for mopping up any extra sauce is also a non-negotiable in my house! And a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a nice finishing touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Irresistible Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta actually tastes fantastic the next day. Just pop any extra into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the best way is on the stovetop over low heat with a tiny splash of water or broth – it helps loosen everything up and keeps the pasta from getting dry. You can also zap it in the microwave, but give it a good stir halfway through heating.

Frequently Asked Questions about One Pot Pasta

Can I use different kinds of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! While I love using penne or rotini in my Irresistible Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta Recipe because they hold sauce so well, you can totally use other shapes. Just try to stick with medium-sized shapes like fusilli, shells, or even elbow macaroni. Super tiny pasta like orzo can sometimes get lost, and really thick ones might need a bit more liquid or cooking time. The key is to find something that cooks through in about 10-12 minutes!

How do I make this one pot pasta spicier?

Oh, I love that you’re thinking about turning up the heat! It’s super easy to make this dish spicier. Besides the 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes I already suggest, you can add more! Start with a half teaspoon next time, or even a full teaspoon if you’re brave. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred in at the end. Some people love adding a bit of my homemade chili garlic sauce right at the end for an extra kick!

Can I add protein to this easy pasta recipe?

You sure can! This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great base for adding pre-cooked protein. Fold in some shredded rotisserie chicken, some diced cooked sausage, or even some quick-cooking shrimp during the last few minutes of simmering (just until heated through). You could also add drained and rinsed canned chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian protein boost right along with the pasta!

Is this one pot pasta recipe freezer-friendly?

Honestly, pasta dishes can be a bit tricky to freeze and reheat because the pasta sometimes gets a little soft. While you *can* freeze leftovers, I generally recommend enjoying this Irresistible Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta Recipe fresh or within a few days. If you do freeze it, make sure it’s properly cooled and in an airtight container. When reheating, go low and slow on the stovetop with a splash of liquid, as I mentioned in the storage section.

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Irresistible Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta Recipe is an estimate, as it can really change depending on the exact brands of ingredients you use and if you add anything extra like cheese or protein. But generally, you’re looking at about 450 calories per serving, around 85g of carbs, 15g of protein, and 7g of fiber. Pretty good for such a delicious and easy meal, right?

Irresistible Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta

Author: ferecipe.com
Total Time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious one-pot pasta dish with tomatoes and spinach.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound pasta
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
5 ounces fresh spinach
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Combine pasta, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a large pot or Dutch oven.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end.
Add cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Adjust seasoning to your preference.

Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 85g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: one pot pasta, tomato spinach pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta