This Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta is your answer to a quick, hearty, and flavor-packed dinner with almost zero cleanup. Everything cooks in just one pot — yes, even the pasta! — soaking up the rich, garlicky tomato sauce and marrying beautifully with the fresh spinach. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl of pasta that feels indulgent but is secretly wholesome. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight but your craving for a satisfying homemade meal is real.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Wonder: All the ingredients cook in one pot — pasta, sauce, veggies — meaning fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner.
Ready in Minutes: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes. No complicated steps, no fancy techniques.
Full of Flavor: The pasta absorbs all the garlicky, tomatoey goodness while simmering. The spinach adds freshness and balance, making every bite rich yet light.
Customizable: You can tweak it a dozen ways to suit your pantry, your mood, or your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients before you begin — everything plays a role in building flavor or texture:

Pasta: Use short pasta like penne or fusilli. These shapes hold the sauce beautifully and cook evenly in one pot.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must for its aromatic kick. It infuses the whole dish with deep flavor.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth. Yellow or red onion both work well.
Canned Tomatoes: Crushed or diced, they form the base of the sauce. Choose high-quality for the best flavor.
Tomato Paste: Enhances the richness of the tomato sauce and gives a more concentrated flavor.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and helps the pasta cook in liquid that’s anything but bland.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and helps carry flavor throughout the dish.
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts perfectly into the pasta. It lightens the dish and adds nutrients without effort.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste — don’t skip this step! It makes all the other flavors shine.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that brings everything to life.
Parmesan Cheese: Stirred in at the end or sprinkled on top, it adds creamy, salty richness.

Variations

Craving a twist? Here are some tasty ways to mix things up:

Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, ground turkey, or even canned chickpeas for extra heartiness.
Make it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk near the end for a luscious, creamy texture.
Go Vegan: Skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan.
Switch Greens: Kale or arugula are great substitutes for spinach — just give them a little extra time to wilt.

How to Make Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1-2 minutes to intensify the flavor. Add the canned tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine everything into a rich sauce base.

Step 3: Add the Pasta

Add the dry pasta directly into the pot. Stir to ensure it’s evenly submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed (about 10-12 minutes).

Step 4: Stir in the Spinach

Once the pasta is tender, fold in the fresh spinach. It will wilt almost immediately from the heat. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Serve hot with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Stir Often: Pasta can stick to the bottom of the pot if left unattended. Stir frequently, especially as the liquid reduces.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on it! You want that perfect al dente texture.
Add Spinach Last: Spinach wilts in seconds. Stir it in right at the end to keep it bright and fresh.
Use Good Tomatoes: Since this dish is tomato-forward, using a good brand of canned tomatoes makes a noticeable difference.

How to Serve

This dish is satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out:

Garnishes:

Top with freshly grated parmesan, a drizzle of good olive oil, or a few fresh basil leaves.

Side Dish:

Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce.

Add Crunch:

A handful of toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs can add a delightful crunch on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time slightly and keep an eye on the texture, as different pastas absorb liquid differently.

What if the sauce gets too thick before the pasta is done?
Add a little more broth or water, about ¼ cup at a time, and continue cooking until the pasta reaches your desired doneness.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it in, so it doesn’t water down the sauce.

How do I make this recipe creamy without using dairy?
A splash of full-fat coconut milk or a dollop of cashew cream stirred in at the end adds creaminess without any dairy.

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta is the definition of dinner done right: quick, cozy, and incredibly tasty. It’s one of those magical recipes you’ll turn to again and again — especially when your day’s been long and your kitchen motivation is running low. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to weeknight favorite!

Tomato Spinach One Pot Pasta Recipe