Watch How to Make This One-Pot Pasta

Curious to see just how simple this recipe is? Our video tutorial walks you through each step of preparing this incredible one-pot tomato spinach pasta. From sautéing the aromatics to adding the pasta and watching the spinach perfectly wilt, you’ll gain the confidence to create this meal with ease. It’s a perfect visual guide to ensure your pasta comes out perfectly al dente and bursting with flavor every time.

After watching the video, you’ll realize just how quickly this meal comes together, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a spontaneous healthy lunch. The visual demonstration highlights the minimal effort involved, ensuring you’re ready to tackle this delicious dish.

Essential Ingredients for Your One-Pot Tomato Spinach Pasta

Creating this flavorful one-pot meal requires a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the robust taste and appealing texture of the dish. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Fresh spinach. The star of the dish, fresh spinach not only contributes a beautiful, bright green color but also a pleasing, tender texture once wilted. It’s packed with vitamins and minerals, adding a healthy boost to your meal. If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can substitute frozen spinach. Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain it thoroughly by pressing it between paper towels to remove excess water. Add it towards the end of the cooking process, just before removing the pan from the heat, for best results.
• Yellow onion. The foundation of many great dishes, the yellow onion provides a sweet and pungent aromatic base when sautéed, adding depth and complexity to the sauce. It’s essential for building a rich flavor profile.
• Chicken broth. This liquid is vital for cooking the pasta and forming the sauce. Chicken broth infuses the dish with savory notes. For a vegetarian or vegan version of Tomato Spinach Pasta, simply substitute vegetable broth, which will still provide ample flavor.
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes. While regular diced tomatoes work, fire-roasted tomatoes are a game-changer. They offer a smoky, richer, and deeper flavor profile, along with a more intense color, thanks to the roasting process. If you can’t find fire-roasted, regular diced tomatoes are fine. Alternatively, for a different texture and burst of freshness, you could use halved cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes.
• Rotini. We love the way pasta spirals, such as rotini or fusilli, capture the sauce in their nooks and crannies, ensuring every bite is flavorful. However, this recipe is versatile; if you have other short pasta shapes like penne, ziti, farfalle (bow-tie pasta), or campanelle on hand, they will work wonderfully too. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed, just be sure to check the cooking instructions for any adjustments.
• Garlic cloves. Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for its pungent, aromatic qualities that truly elevate this dish. While garlic powder can be a substitute in a pinch, fresh garlic cloves minced bring an unparalleled intensity of flavor that makes the extra effort worthwhile.
• Olive oil. Used for sautéing the aromatics, olive oil adds a fruity, slightly peppery note and helps develop the initial flavors. We prefer olive oil or avocado oil due to their high smoke points, which makes them suitable for sautéing without burning.
• Kosher salt. Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients. If you’re substituting regular table salt for kosher salt, remember that table salt is finer and saltier by volume, so you’ll need to decrease the amount used. Proper seasoning is key to a delicious meal.
• Dried oregano & basil. These classic Italian herbs provide the signature herby notes that complement the tomatoes and spinach beautifully. Dried herbs are convenient and readily available, but if you have fresh herbs on hand, you can certainly substitute them. A general rule of thumb is to use three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
• Garnishes (not pictured): Parmesan cheese and fresh basil strips. These additions are optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick and creamy texture when melted slightly. For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan or substitute with a non-dairy cheese alternative or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch.

For precise measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your One-Pot Tomato Spinach Pasta

Making this One-Pot Tomato Spinach Pasta is incredibly straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps to create a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal fuss:

Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics. Begin by finely chopping your yellow onion and mincing the garlic cloves (1). The size of your chop can influence the texture and release of flavor, so aim for consistency. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic (2). This foundational step is crucial for building the dish’s flavor base.

Step 2: Combine and Cook. To the fragrant onion and garlic, add the rotini (or your chosen pasta type), diced fire-roasted tomatoes (undrained, to maximize flavor), chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and kosher salt (3). Give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid and well-combined with the other ingredients. Covering the pot is essential as it traps steam, helping the pasta cook evenly and absorb the rich flavors of the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the liquid boils too vigorously, reduce the heat slightly.

Step 3: Simmer to Al Dente. After the initial boil, reduce the heat to maintain a low simmer. Continue to cook the pasta, still covered, for another 10 minutes, or until the pasta is slightly al dente—meaning it’s firm to the bite but not hard. Stir occasionally during this phase to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. The pasta will continue to soften slightly as it rests, so pulling it off the heat when it’s just a little firm is ideal. Remove the pan from the heat once the pasta reaches your desired tenderness.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach. With the pan removed from the heat, stir in the fresh baby spinach (5). It will look like a lot of spinach at first, but it will quickly cook down. Cover the pot again and let it stand for 10 minutes (6). The residual heat from the pasta and sauce will perfectly wilt the spinach, preserving its vibrant color and tender texture. This method ensures the spinach isn’t overcooked and retains its nutritional value.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve. Before serving, give the pasta a final gentle stir (7) to distribute the wilted spinach and sauce evenly. Ladle generous portions into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and delicate strips of fresh basil (8). The Parmesan adds a savory, salty kick, while the fresh basil provides a bright, aromatic finish that complements the tomato and spinach beautifully. Enjoy this comforting and easy one-pot meal!

This recipe truly embodies “pasta helper” made with whole foods! Our One-Pot Tomato Spinach Pasta is a dish that beautifully transcends its simple origins, delivering exceptional flavor and ease. The addition of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a savory depth and a pleasing textural contrast, delighting both the eye and the taste buds. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully in a single pot, can create a truly memorable meal.

Customize Your One-Pot Tomato Spinach Pasta: Substitutions and Variations

One of the best aspects of this One-Pot Tomato Spinach Pasta is its incredible versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit different dietary needs, preferences, or simply to add a new twist to the classic. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-free. Making this dish gluten-free is straightforward. Simply use your favorite gluten-free rotini or another short pasta. It’s also important to check the labels of your chicken or vegetable broth, as some brands may contain hidden gluten-containing additives. Look for certified gluten-free broths to ensure your meal is entirely safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian. This recipe is almost inherently vegetarian! To make a fully vegetarian version, swap out the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based, making this a fantastic and flavorful meatless option.
• Vegan. For a completely vegan meal, beyond using vegetable broth, you’ll also need to omit the Parmesan cheese or use a high-quality non-dairy cheese alternative. Many cashew-based or nutritional yeast-fortified vegan parmesans offer a similar savory profile. Another excellent option is a sprinkle of pine nuts where the Parmesan would typically go. If you have a few extra minutes, lightly toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden for an enhanced nutty flavor and satisfying crunch that adds a gourmet touch for your vegan guests.
• Pasta Bake. Transform this stovetop sensation into a delicious baked casserole. Prepare the Tomato Spinach Pasta as directed in an oven-proof skillet or a Dutch oven. Once cooked and the spinach is wilted, generously top the dish with shredded mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Transfer it to a preheated oven at 375ºF (190°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the pasta edges achieve a delightful crispiness. This variation adds a comforting, cheesy crust that kids and adults alike will adore.
• With Chicken or Other Proteins. While the pasta itself offers 15 grams of protein per serving, you can easily boost the protein content and transform it into a more substantial meal. Consider adding cooked, shredded chicken breast—perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken, or quick-cooking grilled or pan-seared chicken. For other protein options, cooked shrimp or Italian sausage (pork or plant-based) can be added during the last few minutes of cooking, allowing them to heat through and meld with the flavors. For a plant-based protein boost, stir in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or cannellini beans along with the tomatoes and broth.
• Spicier Kick. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes along with the dried herbs. You can adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
• Extra Veggies. Feel free to incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables. Diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms can be sautéed with the onion and garlic, adding more texture and nutrients to the dish.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Meal Prep

This One-Pot Tomato Spinach Pasta is not only delicious freshly made but also excellent for meal prepping. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your leftovers for days to come, and with a few adaptations, it can even be prepared for the freezer.

Storing Leftovers: Any leftover Tomato Spinach Pasta should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you might find the pasta has absorbed more of the sauce, so a splash of extra broth or water can help restore its creamy consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezing for Future Meals: While freezing cooked pasta dishes can sometimes alter the texture of the pasta, this recipe can be prepped for the freezer with some thoughtful adaptations to better preserve the pasta’s quality. To prepare this meal for the freezer, follow these steps:

First, sauté the onion and garlic as directed. However, *do not add the pasta, spinach, or broth* at this stage. Instead, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with the diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and kosher salt in a freezer-safe container or a large freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag to prevent freezer burn.

Label the container with the date and the following clear instructions for easy preparation later:

By keeping the pasta and broth separate until cooking, you avoid the pasta becoming mushy upon thawing and reheating, ensuring a fresher texture. This method makes for a fantastic freezer meal, ready to be cooked in one pot on a busy day, providing convenience without compromising on taste or quality.

One Pot Tomato Spinach Pasta

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