Quick, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together with minimal effort. Featuring al dente pasta coated in a velvety tomato-based sauce, balanced with fresh spinach leaves and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create a restaurant-quality meal at home.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its convenience: everything cooks in one pot, which means less time spent cleaning and more time enjoying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Rich, flavorful, and satisfying, this pasta recipe brings together the creaminess of cheese, the freshness of spinach, and the bold taste of tomatoes into one delicious dish. It’s versatile enough for family dinners, meal prep, or even serving at casual gatherings with friends.
General Benefits of One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta
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One-Pot Convenience
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Fewer dishes, faster cleanup, and minimal hassle.
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Nutritious and Balanced
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Combines vegetables, pasta, and protein-rich cheese in one dish.
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Quick Cooking
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Ready in 30 minutes or less, perfect for weeknights.
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Versatile Flavors
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Pairs well with chicken, shrimp, or can stay vegetarian.
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Family-Friendly
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Creamy texture and mild flavors make it appealing to all ages.
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Meal Prep Friendly
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Stores well and can be reheated for lunch or dinner the next day.
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Comfort Food Appeal
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Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying without being overly heavy.
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Nutritional Benefits
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Spinach: Rich in iron, vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber.
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Tomatoes (fresh & sun-dried): Provide antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin A.
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Pasta: A source of carbohydrates for sustained energy.
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Cheese & Cream: Add protein and calcium for bone health.
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Olive Oil: Healthy fats that support heart health.
This combination makes it both hearty and nourishing, especially when served with a side salad or lean protein.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 12 oz (340 g) | Can substitute with rigatoni or fusilli |
| Fresh spinach | 4 cups | Baby spinach works best |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | ½ cup | Adds tangy flavor |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves | For aromatic flavor |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing and richness |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup | Base for the sauce |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup | For creamy texture |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ½ cup | Adds flavor and creaminess |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Season as needed |
Step-by-Step Preparation
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Cook the Pasta
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
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Pour in tomato sauce and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
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Simmer the Sauce
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Season with salt and pepper.
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Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add Pasta & Spinach
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Stir in the cooked penne pasta.
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Add fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
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Toss until spinach wilts and everything is evenly coated.
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Finish with Cheese
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Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into the sauce.
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Adjust seasoning to taste.
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Serve
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Plate the pasta hot, garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
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Variations and Creative Twists
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Protein Boost
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Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for extra heartiness.
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Vegan Version
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Replace cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
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Spicy Kick
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Add red pepper flakes or diced chili for heat.
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Cheesy Upgrade
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Mix in mozzarella or ricotta for extra creaminess.
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Mediterranean Style
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Add olives, artichokes, or feta for a Mediterranean twist.
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Serving Suggestions
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Serve with garlic bread or a side of crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
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Pair with a fresh green salad for balance.
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Garnish with extra sun-dried tomatoes or Parmesan shavings for presentation.
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Enjoy with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
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Perfect as a main course or as a side for grilled meats.
Conclusion
One-Pot Spinach Tomato Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. By combining pasta, spinach, and tomatoes in a rich sauce, you get a comforting dish that feels indulgent yet balanced.
This versatile recipe works for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings, and it can easily be adapted to different diets and preferences. One bite of this pasta and you’ll see why it’s a go-to recipe for pasta lovers everywhere!



