One-Pot Spaghetti with Creamy Tomato and Spinach Sauce
A speedy one-pot dinner featuring spaghetti cooked directly in a rich tomato sauce with fresh spinach, finished with a splash of cream for velvety texture. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups, packed fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 3 cups vegetable broth, stirring to combine. Add 12 oz spaghetti broken in half, pressing down to submerge in liquid.
- Step 3: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 cups packed fresh spinach and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce becomes creamy.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Spaghetti with Creamy Tomato and Spinach Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Spaghetti with Creamy Tomato and Spinach Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Spaghetti with Creamy Tomato and Spinach Sauce?
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 Spaghetti with Creamy Tomato and Spinach Sauce 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 Spaghetti with Creamy Tomato and Spinach Sauce 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.
