Imagine having the flavors of creamy, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and al dente pasta all melded together in a single, soul-warming meal. That’s exactly what you get with this One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort dish for busy weeknights—super satisfying, ridiculously flavorful, and best of all, a breeze to clean up afterward since everything cooks together in just one pot. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or impressing friends, this One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta will win over even the pickiest eaters and quickly become a staple at your dinner table.

One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how it transforms everyday ingredients into an extraordinary pasta dish bursting with color and flavor. Each component brings something special—whether it’s the richness from heavy cream, the zing of sun-dried tomatoes, or the fresh, green pop of spinach. Gather up these essentials and get ready to make One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta magic!

Penne pasta: Holds sauce beautifully, but you can swap in fusilli or rigatoni if that’s what you have.
Chicken stock: Adds depth and savory flavor, plus helps cook the pasta right in the pot.
Onion: Lends a natural sweetness and forms the aromatic base.
Heavy whipping cream: Creates the luscious, creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.
Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a light earthy flavor—stir in at the end to keep it vibrant.
Sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil: Offer an intensely sweet-tart punch and a bit of chew in every bite.
Freshly shredded parmesan cheese: Melts for salty, nutty flavor and ultra-creamy richness.
Sun-dried tomato oil: Infuses the dish with complexity and boosts the tomato flavor.
Tomato paste: Brings the sauce together with a concentrated tomato flavor and gorgeous color.
Red chili flakes: For a subtle kick—add more or less to suit your heat preference.
Garlic cloves: Fragrant and classic; the more the merrier if you’re a garlic fan!
Fresh basil: Sliced at the end for brightness and a hint of peppery sweetness.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning every layer so the flavors pop.
Black pepper: Enhances everything with a little warm spice at the finish.

How to Make One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high and add one tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Once that gorgeous, fragrant oil is shimmering, toss in your chopped onion and give it a few minutes to caramelize just a bit—it should go golden and sweet. Next, add the minced garlic and those sumptuous sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for another couple of minutes, stirring frequently, then stir in the tomato paste. Let the mixture cook, scrape up any delicious browned bits, and get ready for an unforgettable sauce base.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Into that flavorful pot, pour the chicken stock, slowly and deliberately, to deglaze and make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. The tomato paste and stock blend together into a deep, tomato-rich sauce. Pour in the cream (room temperature is best) and stir well. Now add black pepper, kosher salt, and a sprinkle of red chili flakes. This is when you’ll really start smelling that signature aroma of One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta wafting through your kitchen!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Now it’s time to add your dry penne pasta. Make sure every piece is submerged in the sauce and stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low-medium and simmer, uncovered, for around 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking and to help the pasta cook evenly. The pasta should be just shy of al dente, as it’ll finish softening while you add the rest of the ingredients.

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking

Drop in the fresh spinach and that generous handful of basil. The spinach will wilt super quickly, becoming tender and vibrant without losing its color. If things look dry, add a splash more stock or water. Finally, sprinkle in your parmesan and stir until everything is cheesy and beautifully creamy—this is when it all comes together!

Step 5: Finalize and Serve

Turn off the heat and give everything one last big stir. Scoop this creamy, saucy pasta into bowls—don’t forget to spoon up extra sauce from the bottom! For extra oomph, top each serving with more parmesan, fresh basil, or even some grilled chicken if you’re hungry for extra protein. The result? A restaurant-worthy One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta, ready to devour.

How to Serve One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

A generous dusting of parmesan, a fresh sprinkle of torn basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra sun-dried tomato oil will make each bowl of One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta look as inviting as it tastes. A finishing crack of black pepper or a pinch of chili flakes will also add irresistible flair and a burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve your pasta with thick wedges of warm, crusty bread or golden garlic toast to mop up the sauce. A fresh salad tossed with a lively vinaigrette, or roasted broccoli, makes a perfect, balanced plate. For special occasions, add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or creamy burrata to take this One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta to new heights.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pasta in a large, rustic bowl at the center of your table for a truly family-style feel. For a romantic dinner, twirl nests of the creamy pasta onto individual plates and top with a parmesan crisp and a sprig of basil. You can even fill small ramekins with the pasta, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil for a couple of minutes for a bubbly, gratin-style twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta stores like a dream. Spoon the leftovers into an airtight container once cooled, and stash them in your refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors mingle and deepen as they rest, making your next meal even more delicious. Just expect the sauce to thicken a bit—simply add a splash of stock or cream when reheating if needed.

Freezing

To freeze, portion your cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or zip bags. It keeps well for up to three months, although the creamy sauce might separate a touch upon thawing. Give it a gentle stir during reheating and it’ll come back together—no need to worry about taste or safety!

Reheating

For the best results, reheat One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta slowly on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of cream or chicken stock if the sauce seems dry. If you’re short on time, use a microwave on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds. This keeps everything creamy and prevents uneven heating.

FAQs

Can I make One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply use vegetable stock in place of chicken stock, and you’ll have a delicious, fully vegetarian meal with all the same creamy tomato and spinach flavors.

What’s the best way to add protein for a heartier meal?

Grilled chicken breast, sautéed shrimp, or even some white beans work wonders stirred in or served on top. If you’re going meatless, toss in pan-seared tofu or chickpeas for a satisfying, protein-packed twist.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes you can! Just thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding. This way, your One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta stays creamy and flavorful, not watery.

What makes sun-dried tomatoes so important in this dish?

Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet-tangy intensity and chewy texture that really sets this recipe apart, infusing every mouthful with bursts of flavor you’d never get from just regular tomatoes.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute the heavy cream with a rich coconut cream (not milk), and use your favorite dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast in place of parmesan. The sauce will be a little different, but still crave-worthy!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s big on comfort, flavor, and convenience, you owe it to yourself to try One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta. It’s a recipe that’ll make its way into your regular rotation thanks to its creamy sauce, zesty sun-dried tomatoes, and simplicity. Gather your ingredients and get ready to share a bowl (or two) of this cozy, crowd-pleasing pasta!

One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe