One-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach

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

A single-pot wonder featuring al dente pasta, a rich tomato-basil sauce, and a handful of fresh spinach, ready in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs Penne pasta, Olive oil, minced Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, 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: 20 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 14 oz diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1 cup chicken broth, then bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained penne pasta and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the sauce, stirring to combine, and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 2 cups packed spinach, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then cook for 2 more minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Creamy 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-Pot Creamy 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-Pot Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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-Pot Creamy 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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