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One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe

4.1 from 78 reviews

This One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining penne pasta with a rich tomato and spinach sauce. Made all in one pot, it features sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and parmesan cheese simmered in a blend of chicken stock and heavy cream. It’s an easy to prepare meal that balances savory, creamy textures with a touch of spice thanks to red chili flakes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Liquids

  • 14 ounces penne pasta
  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 to 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil

Oils and Pastes

  • 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato oil
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste

Seasonings and Cheese

  • 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a pot over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Once warm, add the chopped onion and cook until slightly brown. Then add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pot, sautéing for 2-3 minutes while stirring frequently. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, continuing to stir to prevent burning.
  2. Build the Sauce: Slowly add the chicken stock to the pot, stirring to deglaze and mix thoroughly with the tomato paste. Pour in the heavy whipping cream and mix well to combine. Season the sauce by adding black pepper, kosher salt, and red chili flakes, stirring to incorporate all the flavors fully.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the pot, stirring to coat it evenly with the sauce. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Check the pasta texture regularly to ensure it reaches about 75% doneness, adjusting heat and time as needed.
  4. Add Vegetables and Complete Cooking: Stir in the fresh spinach and basil leaves, allowing the spinach to wilt naturally in the hot sauce. If the mixture thickens too much or appears dry, add a bit of extra water or chicken stock to maintain a creamy consistency. Once the spinach is wilted, mix in the freshly shredded parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
  5. Finalize and Serve: Turn off the heat and stir the pasta thoroughly to combine all ingredients and create a creamy texture. Serve the pasta warm in bowls. Optionally, top with grilled chicken for added protein and heartiness. Enjoy your rich and comforting one-pot creamy spinach tomato pasta!

Notes

  • Make sure to stir frequently while cooking the pasta to avoid sticking.
  • You can substitute chicken stock with vegetable stock for a vegetarian version, but omit parmesan cheese if aiming for vegan.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase red chili flakes to taste.
  • Adding grilled chicken on top can make this dish a complete meal.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or chicken stock to loosen it.

Keywords: One-Pot Pasta, Spinach Pasta, Tomato Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Italian Pasta