This one pot spinach tomato pasta is one of those quick, comforting dinners we love to make as a team on a busy weeknight. A creamy sun dried tomato sauce with fresh spinach, all cooked in a single pot, feels both cozy and easy, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
This One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a creamy, comforting dinner that comes together in a single pot in about 45 minutes. Penne cooks right in a rich sauce of sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and heavy cream, then finishes with fresh spinach and Parmesan. Quick, satisfying, and easy to clean up, this spinach tomato pasta is perfect for a busy weeknight.
What makes this one pot spinach tomato pasta so good is the creamy sun dried tomato sauce. Penne cooks right in a rich tomato cream sauce with fresh spinach and Parmesan.
Watch the Recipe Video
Watch how this spinach tomato pasta comes together, step by step.
Why You Will Love This Spinach Tomato Pasta
- Quick and easy. This spinach tomato pasta is ready in about 45 minutes.
- One pot meal. Everything cooks in a single pot for easy cleanup.
- Creamy and comforting. A rich tomato cream sauce coats every bite.
- Sun dried tomato flavor. Deep, tangy tomato flavor throughout.
- Loaded with spinach. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition.
What Makes This Spinach Tomato Pasta So Good
Sun dried tomatoes bring deep, concentrated flavor. Cooked with garlic and tomato paste, they give the sauce a rich, tangy, savory depth.
The sauce is creamy and comforting. Heavy cream stirred into the tomato base creates a silky, lightly spiced sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
Cooking everything in one pot builds flavor. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up the tomato and cream as it simmers.
A generous handful of fresh spinach adds color and nutrition, one of the leafy greens that nutrition experts at Harvard recommend eating plenty of.
Optional Pro Tip: A Creamy One Pot Pasta
Cook the pasta only to about 75 percent before adding the spinach. Finishing it gently keeps the pasta from overcooking as the sauce thickens.
Stir frequently as the pasta cooks. Since it cooks right in the sauce, stirring keeps it from sticking and helps it cook evenly.
Tips for the Best Spinach Tomato Pasta
- Stir frequently. This keeps the pasta from sticking.
- Use room temperature cream. It blends in smoothly without curdling.
- Do not overcook the pasta. Cook it to about 75 percent first.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts more smoothly into the sauce.
- Adjust the liquid. Add a splash of stock if it gets too dry.
- Use the tomato oil. The oil from the jar adds extra flavor.
- Add spinach at the end. It wilts down in just a minute.
- Season to taste. Adjust the salt and pepper before serving.
Variations and Add Ins
This one pot spinach tomato pasta is easy to customize.
- Add chicken. Top with grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
- Make it lighter. Use half and half in place of heavy cream.
- Add more vegetables. Mushrooms or bell peppers stir in well.
- Make it spicy. Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Use a different pasta. Fusilli or farfalle work well too.
- Add fresh tomatoes. A handful of cherry tomatoes adds freshness.
- Use vegetable stock. Swap in vegetable stock to keep it meatless.
- Add Italian seasoning. A pinch deepens the herby flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover spinach tomato pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It makes a great quick lunch.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of stock, cream, or water to loosen the sauce, since it thickens as it sits.
Serving Suggestions for Spinach Tomato Pasta
This spinach tomato pasta is a satisfying meatless meal on its own, with pasta, greens, and a creamy sauce. A crisp green salad makes a fresh, simple side.
Warm garlic bread or crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy tomato sauce. A side of roasted vegetables rounds out the plate nicely.
For a heartier dinner, top it with grilled chicken or shrimp. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh basil makes a lovely finishing touch.
- With a green salad. A fresh, crisp contrast.
- With garlic bread. Perfect for the creamy sauce.
- With grilled chicken. For a heartier, protein packed meal.
- With extra Parmesan. A savory finishing touch.
For another creamy, crowd pleasing pasta, our creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a favorite to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta meatless?
Yes. It is naturally meatless. Use vegetable stock in place of the chicken stock to keep it fully vegetarian.
Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken or shrimp on top turns this into a heartier, protein packed meal.
Why cook the pasta in the sauce?
Cooking the pasta right in the sauce lets it soak up all the tomato and cream flavor, and it means just one pot to clean.
How do I keep the cream from curdling?
Use room temperature heavy cream and stir it in over medium heat. Keeping the heat moderate keeps the sauce smooth.
Can I use half and half?
Yes. Half and half makes a slightly lighter sauce, though heavy cream gives the richest, creamiest result.
What pasta works best?
Penne is used here and holds the sauce well. Fusilli or farfalle are also great choices for this one pot pasta.
My sauce is too thick. What do I do?
The sauce thickens as it cooks and sits. Stir in a splash of stock, cream, or water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or extra spinach all stir in beautifully and add color and nutrition.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat gently with a splash of liquid.
What do sun dried tomatoes add?
They add a deep, concentrated, tangy tomato flavor that gives the creamy sauce its rich, savory character.
Creamy, Comforting, One Pot Pasta
This one pot spinach tomato pasta brings together tangy sun dried tomatoes, a creamy tomato sauce, and fresh spinach for a comforting, satisfying dinner. Everything cooks in one pot for an easy, flavorful meal.
Quick enough for a busy weeknight and easy to customize, it is a meatless dish the whole family will love. Once you try it, this spinach tomato pasta is sure to become a regular favorite.
Craving more creamy pasta favorites? Our high protein creamy beef pasta is another rich, satisfying dish to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
One Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the sun dried tomato oil in a large pot over medium high heat, then add the onion and cook until slightly browned.
- Add the garlic and sun dried tomatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently so the garlic does not burn.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another couple of minutes, continuing to stir.
- Slowly add the chicken stock, stirring to deglaze the pot and blend in the tomato paste.
- Pour in the heavy cream and mix well, then stir in the black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the penne and stir to coat, then reduce the heat to medium low and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is about 75 percent done.
- Add the spinach and basil and stir until the spinach wilts down, adding a little more water or stock if it gets too dry.
- Once the spinach has wilted, stir in the Parmesan until melted and well distributed.
- Turn off the heat and mix everything together until creamy, then serve in bowls.
Nutrition
Notes
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