One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta offers a creamy, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Combining fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich tomato cream sauce, it delivers comforting satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients

• 17 ounces penne pasta
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 to 5 ounces fresh spinach
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Once the oil is warm, add the chopped onion and cook until slightly brown. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent burning. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
2. Step 2: Slowly pour in the chicken stock, mixing well to deglaze the pan and blend with the tomato paste. Add the heavy whipping cream and stir to combine. Season with black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes, mixing thoroughly into the sauce.
3. Step 3: Add the penne pasta to the pot and stir to coat it with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring often. Check the pasta to ensure it reaches about 75% doneness for the right texture.
4. Step 4: Add fresh spinach and basil to the pot, allowing the spinach to wilt. If the mixture becomes too thick or dry, add a little extra chicken stock or water for consistency. Stir in the freshly shredded parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat and mix everything until creamy and well combined. Serve immediately in bowls. Optionally, top with grilled chicken for a heartier meal. Enjoy your delicious creamy tomato spinach pasta!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable stock for chicken stock and omit grilled chicken topping.
• Use gluten-free pasta if desired to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth.
• Fresh basil can be replaced with fresh parsley or oregano if preferred.
• If you like it spicier, increase the red chili flakes to taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken stock to restore creaminess. This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and make sure the pasta is about 75% cooked before adding the spinach and cheese.

Is it necessary to use sun-dried tomato oil?

Sun-dried tomato oil adds a nice depth of flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with olive oil. You may want to add a bit more sun-dried tomatoes to compensate for the flavor.

One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 50 reviews

This One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines penne pasta with a flavorful tomato and sun-dried tomato sauce, fresh spinach, and rich parmesan cheese. Made all in one pot, this recipe saves time and cleanup while delivering a deliciously rich and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.

• Author: Logan
• 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

Pasta and Liquids

• 17 ounces penne pasta
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 to 5 ounces fresh spinach
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Oils and Sauces

• 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
• 1/3 cup tomato paste

Cheese and Seasonings

• 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes

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 chopped onion and cook until slightly brown. Then, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional couple of minutes, continuing to stir.
2. Build the Sauce: Slowly add the chicken stock to the pot, mixing it in to deglaze the pan and blend with the tomato paste. Once well combined, pour in the heavy whipping cream and mix well. Add the black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes, stirring to fully incorporate the seasonings into the sauce.
3. Cook the Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the pot and stir to incorporate it into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it cooks to about 75% done, checking for the desired texture.
4. Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking: Add the fresh spinach and basil to the pot, allowing the spinach to wilt down. If it seems like the spinach absorbs too much liquid, feel free to add a little more water or chicken stock for consistency. Once the spinach has wilted nicely, stir in the freshly shredded parmesan cheese until it is melted and well distributed throughout the dish.
5. Finalize and Serve: Turn off the heat and mix everything together until well combined and creamy. Serve the creamy tomato spinach pasta in bowls. Optionally, you can add grilled chicken on top for a more substantial meal. Enjoy your delicious, creamy pasta dish!

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit grilled chicken topping.
• You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili flakes.
• If the sauce becomes too thick while cooking, add additional chicken stock or water to reach desired consistency.
• Use freshly shredded parmesan cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
• If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen spinach (thawed and drained) can be used as a substitute.

Keywords: one-pot pasta, spinach pasta, tomato pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, one-pot meals, sun-dried tomato pasta