One-Pot Creamy Tomato & Spinach Pasta
A creamy, tomato-based pasta dish made entirely in one pot with spinach and garlic, ready in 25 minutes for a comforting meal. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fettuccine pasta, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups, fresh spinach
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 12 oz fettuccine pasta, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente; drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 3 cloves garlic (minced), and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Add drained fettuccine and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, then stir in 2 cups fresh spinach until wilted (about 1 minute).
- Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil until cheese melts and sauce is creamy; adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Creamy Tomato & Spinach 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 Creamy Tomato & Spinach 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 fettuccine pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Tomato & Spinach 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 Creamy Tomato & Spinach 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 Creamy Tomato & Spinach 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
