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Unlock Weeknight Bliss: The Ultimate One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

Unlock Weeknight Bliss: The Ultimate One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

This One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish made with fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich tomato cream sauce. Cooking everything in one pot makes it quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes

  • 1 tsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar of tomatoes)

  • ¼ 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

  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, finely grated

  • ⅓ cup tomato paste

  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (from a jar)

  • 1 medium onion, diced

Optional: Grilled chicken for serving

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

  • Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add sun-dried tomato oil.

  • Add diced onion and cook until slightly browned.

  • Stir in minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; cook 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.

  • Mix in tomato paste and cook another 2 minutes.

2. Build the Sauce

  • Slowly pour in chicken stock to deglaze the pan and combine with the tomato paste.

  • Add heavy cream and stir well.

  • Season with black pepper, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes.

3. Cook the Pasta

  • Add penne pasta to the pot and stir to coat with the sauce.

  • Reduce heat to low-medium and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

  • Check pasta to ensure it’s about 75% cooked.

4. Add Vegetables and Cheese

  • Stir in fresh spinach and basil, allowing the spinach to wilt.

  • Add a splash of chicken stock if the sauce is too thick.

  • Mix in Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.

5. Finalize and Serve

  • Turn off heat and stir everything together until creamy and well combined.

  • Serve in bowls, optionally topped with grilled chicken.

Notes

  • Extra protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal.

  • Veggie swap: Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for variety.

  • One-pot cleanup: Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.