One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Peas

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

A quick stovetop pasta dish simmered in a creamy tomato sauce with fresh spinach and sweet peas — perfect for picky eaters craving comfort. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) 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 410 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: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes, 3 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried oregano. Stir to combine.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz penne pasta to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas and 3 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach, then pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce thickens to coat the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately while warm and comforting.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Peas 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 Pasta with Spinach and Peas?

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 Pasta with Spinach and Peas?

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 Pasta with Spinach and Peas 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 Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Peas 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.

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