One Pot Tomato Spinach Pasta at the Table

Whip up a minimal-effort masterpiece with our Tomato Spinach One-Pot Pasta. With just a handful of ingredients, this family-friendly dinner is ready to dazzle in mere minutes. No fuss, no drama—just toss it all together for a speedy dinner that’ll have everyone begging for seconds!

What You’ll Need for Tomato and Spinach Pasta

• Pasta – We recommend using penne-shaped pasta because it is sturdy and absorbs liquid well. However, you could substitute it for another thick pasta such as rigatoni or ziti.
• Marinara Sauce – A high-quality marinara sauce adds tons of fresh flavor and locks in the moisture of this dish for tender pasta.
• Herbs & Spices – For simple, fresh flavor, we included salt, pepper, and fresh basil. We don’t recommend swapping it out for dried basil, because the flavor won’t be nearly as strong.
• Tomatoes – Grape or cherry tomatoes work finest and add color, antioxidants, and vitamins.
• Onion – For a sweeter flavor, we prefer to use yellow onions, but white onions can be included, too.
• Garlic – Using fresh garlic cloves is crucial to creating bold flavor.
• Broth – Chicken or vegetable stock works well and adds tons of flavor. Just don’t swap it out for water, or your tomato basil pasta will be bland!
• Spinach – Fresh baby spinach wilts and becomes tender adding bright color and tons of nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin K, plant-based iron, and more!

Variations

• Give your inner chef some room to play and make this one-pot pasta dish uniquely yours! Feel free to shake things up by adding or swapping ingredients. Need inspiration? Check out a few of our faves below:

Include protein like sliced sausage, chicken, ground beef, or shrimp.

Boost the nutrients with sauteed veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Get a little cheesy, and include Parmesan or Asiago cheese!

Make it spicy with a dash of chili flakes.

How to Make One Pot Pasta

1. Add the dried penne noodles to a large pot or dutch oven followed by the remaining ingredients (except for the spinach).
2. Pour in the broth.
3. Bring the liquids to a boil.
4. Cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente!
5. Add in the fresh spinach, and give it a stir.
6. Serve immediately, and feel free to top the dish with grated cheese if you’d like.
7. Enjoy!

Can I Freeze Tomato and Spinach Pasta?

This recipe does not freeze well, because the ingredients become soggy when reheated. However, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days!

If the pasta becomes a bit dry, add a splash of broth before reheating, and stir the ingredients to combine.

Serving Recommendations

This dish is filling on its own, but it also pairs well with all of your go-to sides!

• Light and refreshing, this viral green goddess salad is full of nourishing ingredients you’ll love.
• A fun twist on a traditional recipe, this cobb salad is made with green goddess dressing for an irresistible boost of flavor!
• Cheesy and tasty, no knead focaccia bread is made with a secret ingredient for a speedy side that’s guaranteed to please.
• Simple and straightforward, air fryer sesame crusted feta comes together with 3 ingredients for a unique appetizer or side that’s so fun to make!

Common Questions about One Pot Tomato Spinach Pasta

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from making your pasta watery. ​

How can I add protein to this dish?

You can incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or canned beans like cannellini or chickpeas to boost the protein content. Simply add them in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely! This pasta stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with your go-to gluten-free pasta variety. Keep an eye on the cooking time since gluten-free pastas may cook faster or slower than traditional ones.

More One Pot Pasta Recipes

If you’ve got a soft spot for the simplicity of one-pot wonders, get ready to swoon over these other simple-peasy dishes.

• Decadent and rich, one pot chicken tetrazzini is a family go-to you’ll make over and over again.
• Light and refreshing, one pot lemon garlic parmesan pasta is simple to make, sneaks in some greens, and has flavor to die for!
• Tasty, filling, and speedy to clean up, one pot chicken broccoli rotini is one meal everyone will love!
• Simple to put together and packed with flavor, one pot spicy rigatoni will become your go-to weeknight dish.
• If you want something similar, one pot sun dried tomato pasta is a great option!

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 8

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 12 mins
Total: 17 mins

This tomato basil one pot pasta is an simple weeknight dinner with simple ingredients the whole family will love! Email

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry penne noodles
• 1 cup grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 Tablespoon oregano
• 1 Tablespoon fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 4 cups broth
• 3 cups spinach

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot or dutch oven on the stove.
2. Add the penne, tomatoes, onion, seasonings, garlic, and marinara on medium high heat.
3. Pour the broth on top.
4. Bring to a boil, cover the pot, and reduce the heat and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
5. Stir in the spinach.
6. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 8g
| Calories: 237kcal
| Carbohydrates: 48g
| Protein: 8g
| Fat: 1g
| Saturated Fat: 0.2g
| Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g
| Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g
| Sodium: 920mg
| Potassium: 353mg
| Fiber: 3g
| Sugar: 5g
| Vitamin A: 1605IU
| Vitamin C: 9mg
| Calcium: 44mg
| Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.