One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta – Creamy, Easy Weeknight Dinner

One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a deliciously creamy, flavorful, and satisfying pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta combines penne pasta, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a rich, velvety sauce made with chicken stock and heavy cream. Finished with freshly grated Parmesan and fragrant basil, this pasta offers a comforting yet light meal with balanced flavors that are both sweet and savory. Ready in 35–45 minutes, One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a convenient, low-cleanup dinner that’s perfect for families, friends, or anyone craving creamy, veggie-packed pasta.

Introduction

There’s something magical about a pasta dinner that comes together in a single pot. One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is just that: a creamy, flavorful dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste. Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrients, sun-dried tomatoes bring concentrated sweetness and depth, and a combination of heavy cream, chicken stock, and Parmesan creates a luscious sauce that coats every bite of pasta perfectly.

This recipe is ideal for weeknights when time is short but you still want a home-cooked meal that feels indulgent. It’s also great for casual dinners with friends or family, offering a crowd-pleasing combination of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. The dish is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it versatile as well as satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot convenience – Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking.
• Rich, creamy sauce – Heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes make a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
• Quick and easy – Ready in just 35–45 minutes.
• Balanced flavors – Sweet sun-dried tomatoes, earthy spinach, and aromatic basil complement the creamy sauce.
• Vegetable-packed – Spinach adds nutrients without overpowering the dish.
• Flexible recipe – Works well with different pasta shapes or added proteins like grilled chicken.

Ingredients Breakdown

Author: Molly Brown
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–45 minutes
Yield: Serves 4–6

Ingredients (1x)

• 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
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (from a jar)
• 1 medium onion, diced

Ingredient Notes

• Penne pasta: Holds sauce well due to ridges and tubular shape; other short pasta shapes can be substituted.
• Fresh spinach: Added at the end for color and nutrient retention.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide sweet, concentrated tomato flavor; can substitute with roasted cherry tomatoes.
• Heavy cream: Gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture; ensure room temperature to prevent curdling.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for even melting and creamy consistency.
• Basil: Freshly sliced at the end for bright flavor.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Optional:

• Cheese grater for Parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add 1 medium diced onion and cook until lightly browned.
3. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Stir in 1/3 cup tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

1. Slowly pour in 4 cups chicken stock, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
2. Add 1 cup room-temperature heavy cream and stir to combine.
3. Season with 1 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp kosher salt, stirring to incorporate evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Add 14 oz penne pasta to the pot, stirring to combine.
2. Reduce heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Check pasta for desired texture — it should be about 75% done, as it will continue cooking in the sauce.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking

1. Add 5 oz fresh spinach and 1/4 cup sliced fresh basil. Allow the spinach to wilt, about 1–2 minutes.
2. Stir in 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
3. Adjust consistency with additional chicken stock or water if needed.

Step 5: Finalize and Serve

1. Turn off heat and stir everything together until creamy and well combined.
2. Serve in bowls, optionally topping with extra Parmesan or grilled chicken for added protein.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and omit meat toppings.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace penne with gluten-free pasta.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Spice Adjustment: Reduce or increase red pepper flakes based on preference.
• Substitute Pasta Shapes: Rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini all work well.

Flavor Profile

One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta has a creamy, slightly sweet, and savory flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated sweetness, heavy cream creates a silky texture, and Parmesan cheese enhances umami and depth. Spinach and basil provide fresh, earthy notes and visual appeal, while the gentle heat from red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick. Each bite is rich, balanced, and comforting.

Nutritional Overview

Estimated per serving (1/6 of recipe):

• Calories: 350–380
• Protein: 14–16g
• Fat: 25–27g
• Carbohydrates: 22–24g

Dietary considerations:

• Contains dairy
• Can be modified for vegetarian or gluten-free diets

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Can freeze up to 3 months, but cream may separate slightly.
• Reheating: Warm slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding cream or stock if needed. Microwave on medium, stirring every 30 seconds for even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes — thaw and squeeze excess water before adding.

2. Why did my cream curdle?

Add room-temperature cream gradually over medium-low heat to prevent curdling.

3. Can I add protein?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added at the end.

4. How do I prevent overcooked pasta?

Cook slightly less than package instructions, as pasta continues cooking in the sauce.

5. Can I make it vegan?

Substitute dairy with plant-based cream and cheese alternatives, and use vegetable stock.

Cooking Timeline

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings
10–15 min	25–30 min	35–45 min	4–6

Serving Suggestions

Serve in wide bowls to highlight the creamy texture and vibrant colors. Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil. Pair with a simple salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For extra protein, top with grilled chicken or shrimp.

Recipe Variations

1. Extra Creamy: Add an additional 1/4 cup cream for a richer sauce.
2. Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes.
3. Herb-Forward: Add extra fresh basil or a pinch of dried oregano.
4. Cheesy Twist: Mix in mozzarella or fontina for added meltiness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Choose jarred sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor. Chop finely and add during sautéing for maximum depth.

Fresh Spinach

Adds vibrant color, nutrients, and a light, earthy flavor. Add at the very end to preserve texture and nutrients.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Sauté onions and garlic slowly to develop natural sweetness.
• Scrape browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
• Add cream gradually to avoid curdling.
• Stir frequently to prevent pasta sticking and ensure even sauce coating.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in airtight container.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months; sauce may separate slightly.
• Reheating: Medium-low heat on stovetop with extra cream or stock; microwave on medium, stirring often.

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350–380
Protein	14–16g
Carbs	22–24g
Fat	25–27g

Dietary notes: Contains dairy; vegetarian-friendly if no meat added.

Expanded Conclusion

One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a simple, comforting, and creamy meal that makes weeknight dinners effortless. With fresh vegetables, rich cream, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a balanced and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Minimal cleanup and one-pot convenience make it perfect for busy schedules, while the versatility allows for protein additions or dietary swaps. Save this recipe for a fast, flavorful pasta night and enjoy creamy, veggie-packed comfort anytime.

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