One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta

This creamy one-pot spinach tomato pasta combines rich sun-dried tomatoes with fresh spinach for a satisfying meal that comes together in just one pot. The penne soaks up all the savory flavors as it cooks directly in the sauce, creating a luxurious texture without extra dishes to wash.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick but satisfying. My family was so impressed they thought I had spent hours in the kitchen, and now it's our go-to comfort meal when we want something special without the fuss.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: The ridges catch all the delicious sauce; choose a quality brand that holds its shape
• Chicken stock: Forms the flavorful base for cooking the pasta; use low sodium if watching salt intake
• Medium onion: Adds essential aromatic flavor; dice it finely for quicker cooking
• Heavy whipping cream: Creates the luxurious creamy texture; use full fat for best results
• Fresh spinach: Wilts perfectly into the sauce, adding color and nutrition; buy prewashed to save time
• Sun dried tomatoes in olive oil: Concentrated flavor bombs that infuse the entire dish with richness
• Freshly shredded parmesan cheese: Adds nutty depth; grate it yourself for superior melting
• Sun dried tomato oil: Reuses the flavorful oil from the jar for maximum flavor impact
• Tomato paste: Provides concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce
• Red chili flakes: Adds a pleasant background heat; adjust according to your spice preference
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is essential for authentic Italian flavor
• Fresh basil: Brightens the entire dish with its aromatic qualities
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being too harsh
• Black pepper: Adds necessary depth and subtle spice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Ingredients:

Gather and measure all ingredients before starting. This organization ensures smooth cooking without rushing to chop or measure while other ingredients are cooking. Having everything ready allows you to focus on the cooking process and prevents anything from overcooking while you prepare other components.

Create Flavor Base:

Heat the sun dried tomato oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers. Add chopped onions and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they become translucent and start to take on a golden color. This slow cooking releases the onions' natural sweetness. Add minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring constantly to prevent garlic from burning. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, coating the onion mixture completely. This step caramelizes the tomato paste, adding depth and removing any raw taste.

Develop The Sauce:

Pour in chicken stock gradually while stirring continuously to incorporate it with the tomato mixture. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot; these contain concentrated flavor. Once fully combined and smooth, add the heavy cream in a steady stream while stirring. The sauce should take on a beautiful pinkish orange color. Season with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes, adjusting to taste. The sauce will look quite thin at this point but will thicken as the pasta cooks.

Cook Pasta In Sauce:

Add dry penne directly to the simmering sauce; no need to precook it. Stir well to ensure all pasta is submerged. Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer, uncovered, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta will gradually absorb the flavorful liquid and release starches that thicken the sauce naturally. Test pasta after about 8 minutes; it should be approaching al dente but still have some firmness. The cooking time may vary based on your pasta brand and desired tenderness.

Finish With Fresh Elements:

When pasta is nearly cooked to your preference, add fresh spinach in batches, folding it into the hot pasta until it wilts before adding more. The volume will reduce dramatically as it wilts. Tear fresh basil leaves directly into the pot for the most aromatic impact. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of additional stock or water to achieve your desired consistency. Finally, sprinkle in freshly grated parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated, creating a silky finish.

Serve And Garnish:

Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to meld. Serve in warmed bowls for the best experience. Top with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan if desired. For a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage on top.

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The sun dried tomatoes are truly the secret star of this recipe. I discovered their transformative power years ago when looking to enhance a basic pasta dish. Their concentrated umami flavor infuses the entire sauce with an incredible depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is. My daughter who normally picks anything green out of her pasta actually requests this dish specifically because the flavors blend so beautifully.

Make It Your Own

This adaptable recipe welcomes customization based on your preferences and what you have available in your pantry. For a lighter version, substitute half and half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. Want to add more protein? Grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or sautéed shrimp all work beautifully when added just before serving. The pasta choice is also flexible use whole wheat penne for added fiber or gluten free pasta if needed just watch the cooking time as these varieties may cook differently than traditional pasta.

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Storing And Reheating

This pasta keeps beautifully for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making leftovers sometimes even more delicious than the first serving. When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken stock to revitalize the sauce, as the pasta will have absorbed much of the liquid. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium low heat, stirring occasionally. Microwave reheating works too about 2 minutes on 70% power, stirring halfway through. I don't recommend freezing this particular dish as the cream sauce can separate and the texture of the pasta changes upon thawing.

Nutritional Benefits

While indulgent, this pasta dish offers more nutritional value than you might expect. The spinach provides iron, vitamin K, and antioxidants, while the tomatoes contribute lycopene, known for its heart health benefits. Using whole grain pasta would add fiber content. The parmesan cheese delivers calcium and protein. To make this dish lighter, you can reduce the amount of cream and cheese or substitute with lighter alternatives. Portion control is key enjoy this rich dish alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta like fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free options. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

→ What can I use instead of heavy whipping cream?

To replace heavy cream, consider using half-and-half, coconut milk, or a dairy-free alternative such as almond cream for similar creaminess.

→ How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock or water to enjoy a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish.

→ Can I add protein to the dish?

Yes, you can add protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausages to enhance the meal's nutritional value and texture.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or stock to maintain creaminess.