Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta

$- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice) - 4 cups vegetable broth - 2 cups fresh spinach, packed - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving) - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) You can customize this dish by adding or removing ingredients. For a little heat, include red pepper flakes. You can also swap spinach for other greens or add protein like chicken or shrimp. This dish serves four and has about 350 calories per serving. It has around 12 grams of protein. The fiber from the spinach and pasta helps keep you full. The olive oil gives healthy fats, while the Parmesan adds calcium. - Large pot - Wooden spoon - Measuring cups and spoons - Cutting board - Knife These tools make cooking easier and help you enjoy the process. A large pot is key for cooking all the ingredients together. A good knife will help you chop the onion and garlic quickly. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, chop your onion and garlic well. For the onion, slice it in half. Then cut it into thin strips, and finally, dice it into small pieces. This helps the onion cook evenly. For garlic, use a knife to crush each clove lightly. This makes it easier to mince. Aim for tiny bits for the best flavor. Next, let’s measure the pasta. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy. If you don’t have one, a standard measuring cup works too. One cup of penne is about 4 ounces. Keep in mind, measuring correctly ensures your pasta cooks just right. Now, let’s cook! First, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes. You want it soft and see-through. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. You will smell a wonderful aroma! Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth. Stir it all together and raise the heat until it simmers. Once simmering, add oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you like heat. Season with salt and pepper. Next, add the penne pasta. Stir well to cover the pasta in broth. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You want the pasta al dente, with some liquid still left. Keep an eye on it. If it gets too dry, add a splash of broth. With two minutes left, add the fresh spinach. Stir it in until it wilts. This adds color and nutrition to your dish. Once done, remove the pot from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This helps it thicken slightly. For serving, use deep bowls. Top each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of olive oil adds a nice touch, too! Enjoy your meal! To make a great one pot pasta, avoid common mistakes. One mistake is adding too much liquid. Stick to the recipe for the right amount of broth. Also, don’t skip stirring the pasta. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. Adjust cooking times based on the pasta type. For penne, 10-12 minutes is ideal. If you use thinner pasta, like spaghetti, cut the time down. Always check the pasta for doneness a minute or two early. You can boost flavor with extra herbs and spices. Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. A pinch of lemon zest can also brighten the dish. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Consider adding protein or more veggies. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work well. You could also toss in bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. These add-ins make the dish heartier. Prepping ingredients in advance saves time. Chop your onion and garlic the night before. Measure out your pasta and spices, too. This way, you can cook without any delays. For time-saving tips, use a large pot to cook everything at once. This cuts down on dishes and cooking time. Serve right from the pot for a casual dining experience. This adds to the fun and keeps things simple. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh spinach and high-quality tomatoes can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Adjusting Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount to suit your taste. Perfect Pasta Texture: For the best texture, be sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent it from sticking together. Thickening the Sauce: If you find the sauce too thin, let it sit for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow it to thicken before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch out spinach for other greens. Kale is a great choice. It adds a nice texture and flavor. Arugula also works well. It gives a peppery kick. Both options are healthy and tasty. Just chop them up and add them in the last few minutes of cooking. They will wilt nicely and blend into the dish. Want to make your meal heartier? You can add protein! Chicken is a popular choice. Dice it into small pieces and sauté it with the onion and garlic. Shrimp is another fantastic option. Add it in the last few minutes of cooking for juicy bites. If you're looking for a plant-based option, tofu is perfect. Cube it and sauté it first, just like chicken. If you want a dairy-free dish, substitute the Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast is a great alternative. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use vegan cheese shreds if you prefer. Just sprinkle it on top when serving for that tasty finish. To keep your Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Let it cool down first. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container, and it can last for about three months. Reheat leftover pasta on the stove or in the microwave. For the stove, place it in a pot with a splash of water or broth. Heat it over low until warm. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it to keep moisture in and heat for about 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. In the fridge, your dish stays good for about three days. If frozen, it holds its quality for up to three months. Just remember to label the container with the date. This way, you always know how long it has been stored. To make this dish vegetarian, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. All the other ingredients are already plant-based. If you want more protein, add chickpeas or lentils. These options keep the dish hearty without meat. Yes, you can use different types of pasta. Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, while gluten-free pasta fits special diets. Just check the cooking time, as it may vary. Make sure to stir well to avoid sticking. This pasta pairs well with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for extra flavor. These options balance the meal and enhance your dining experience. You learned how to make a delicious one-pot pasta with tomato and spinach. We discussed ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for customization. Remember, feel free to add your favorite protein or greens. Proper storage keeps leftovers fresh, and reheating is easy with simple methods. This dish is versatile and perfect for any meal. Enjoy experimenting with new flavors and variations! Happy cooking!$

A quick and easy one pot pasta dish featuring tomatoes and fresh spinach.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups fresh spinach, packed
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper.
Once simmering, add the penne pasta to the pot, stirring well to ensure it’s fully submerged in the broth.
Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
During the last 2 minutes of cooking, mix in the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a garnish of fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls, garnished with Parmesan and fresh basil for a vibrant touch. Consider adding a drizzle of olive oil before serving for extra flavor.

Keyword one pot, pasta, quick meal, vegetarian