One-Pot Creamy Tomato Penne with Spinach

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

A comforting one-pot pasta dish combining tender penne with a creamy tomato sauce and fresh spinach, perfect for a quick family dinner. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, minced garlic cloves 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: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 cups vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Add 12 oz penne pasta, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well, cover, and cook over medium-low heat for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach leaves. Cook uncovered for 2 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato Penne with 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 One-Pot Creamy Tomato Penne 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 Penne 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 Penne 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.

Is One-Pot Creamy Tomato Penne with 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.

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