One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. This dish combines the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe is sure to delight everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just one pot required, you can whip up this delicious meal in under 35 minutes.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil brings a burst of flavor to every bite.
- Healthy Greens: Incorporating fresh spinach not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional value of your meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite protein or vegetables to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe scales easily, making it great for batch cooking or leftovers.
Tools and Preparation
To create this One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Chopping board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking pasta and sauce together, ensuring even heating and flavor blend.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent results every time.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Base
- 17 ounces paneer pasta
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Flavor Boost
- 4 to 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
For Seasoning
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Make One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Once hot, sauté the chopped onion until translucent. This usually takes about 3–5 minutes.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spice
Add minced garlic and red chili flakes to the pot. Stir continuously for about one minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Base Ingredients
Add paneer pasta, chicken stock, and tomato paste into the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Allow it to simmer for about 15–20 minutes until the pasta is cooked through.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Vegetables
Once pasta is done cooking, stir in heavy whipping cream, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil before serving warm.
Enjoy your delightful One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta that’s packed with flavor!
How to Serve One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta
One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a delightful and hearty dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
With Garlic Bread
- Freshly baked garlic bread pairs perfectly with this pasta, soaking up the delicious sauce.
Topped with Extra Parmesan
- Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top for an extra creamy and cheesy flavor that everyone will love.
Served with a Side Salad
- A light, crisp salad balances the richness of the pasta. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette.
Drizzled with Olive Oil
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and enhances the flavors of the dish.
Accompanied by Wine
- Pair your meal with a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, to complement the tomato and spinach flavors.
How to Perfect One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta
Making the perfect One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to help you achieve a flawless dish.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and tomatoes enhance flavor and nutrition, making your pasta vibrant and tasty.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Follow package instructions for cooking time. The pasta should be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and chili flakes according to your preference for the perfect balance.
Let It Rest: Allowing the pasta to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta
Pairing side dishes with your One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta can enhance your meal. Consider these delicious options:
Caprese Salad: A refreshing mix of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized bring added depth to your meal.
Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, olives, and cheeses creates a flavorful starter.
Garlic Butter Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed in garlic butter offer a tasty contrast.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic makes a great appetizer.
Quinoa Salad: A nutritious quinoa salad mixed with vegetables adds texture and health benefits to your table.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese or sausage make for an excellent finger food option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a simple yet delicious dish, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your pasta can leave it bland. Always add salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions and aim for al dente.
- Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can affect taste. Opt for fresh spinach and good olive oil when possible.
- Not stirring enough: Failing to stir can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to stir regularly while simmering.
- Using too much liquid: Adding excess chicken stock can make the dish soupy. Measure carefully to keep it creamy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta
- Cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can be stored for up to 2 months.
Reheating One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish and cover with foil; bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock if needed, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta that may help you:
What is One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta?
One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a flavorful dish made with pasta, spinach, tomatoes, and cream—all cooked together in one pot for easy preparation.
Can I customize One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to add proteins like chicken or shrimp, or swap out spinach for other greens like kale or broccoli.
How do I make One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply replace chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit any meat additions.
What type of pasta works best for One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta?
Any short pasta works well—penne or fusilli are great choices because they hold sauces nicely.
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients or add protein as desired. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings!
One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta
One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a delightful and creamy dish that brings together the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic—all in just one pot! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this recipe allows you to create a comforting meal without the hassle of multiple dishes. In just 35 minutes, you can serve a satisfying pasta that delights with every bite. Customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies for an added twist, making it versatile enough for any occasion. Enjoy this flavorful dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 17 ounces paneer pasta
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 to 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the chopped onion in a large pot over medium heat until translucent (3–5 minutes). Add minced garlic and red chili flakes; stir for about one minute.
- Combine paneer pasta, chicken stock, and tomato paste in the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover to simmer for 15–20 minutes until pasta is cooked.
- Stir in heavy whipping cream, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil before serving warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
