Italian One-Pot Pasta with Garlic, Tomatoes, and Spinach
A simple Italian one-pot pasta dish cooked with fresh garlic, cherry tomatoes, and spinach, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired game day (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, thinly sliced garlic cloves, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated, optional Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large wide pot, combine 12 oz spaghetti (broken in half), 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Step 3: Stir in 4 cups fresh spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and mix in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese if using, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian One-Pot Pasta with Garlic, Tomatoes, and Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Italian One-Pot Pasta with Garlic, Tomatoes, and Spinach?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian One-Pot Pasta with Garlic, Tomatoes, and Spinach?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian One-Pot Pasta with Garlic, Tomatoes, and Spinach for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Italian One-Pot Pasta with Garlic, Tomatoes, and Spinach vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A game-changer for busy nights. The spinach wilted beautifully into the sauce, and the garlic aroma filled the kitchen—simple but impressive.
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this one-pot wonder during our game day. Easy to make, healthy, and the garlic-tomato sauce was spot-on.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner! The garlic and tomato base was so flavorful, and the spinach added a lovely freshness without overpowering the pasta.
