One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, weeknight-friendly pasta with sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil, and wilted spinach. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook 4 minutes until they burst and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Add drained pasta, spinach, and reserved pasta water to skillet; toss vigorously for 2 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce coats pasta.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp basil and season with salt; cook 1 minute more until sauce thickens slightly.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with 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 penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with 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 One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with 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.

What goes well with One-Pan Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach?

Italian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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