One-Pot Cheesy Spinach and Tomato Pasta
A comforting one-pot pasta dish featuring fresh spinach and ripe tomatoes simmered in a cheesy garlic sauce. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, halved cherry tomatoes 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until they start to soften and release juices.
- Step 3: Pour in 3 cups vegetable broth and bring to a simmer, then add 12 oz penne pasta, stirring to submerge. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook uncovered for 2 more minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, coating the pasta evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cheesy Spinach and Tomato Pasta 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-Pot Cheesy Spinach and Tomato Pasta?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cheesy Spinach and Tomato Pasta?
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-Pot Cheesy Spinach and Tomato Pasta 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 One-Pot Cheesy Spinach and Tomato Pasta 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.
