One-Pot Tomato and Herb Pasta with Spinach
A simple, comforting pasta dish made with fresh herbs and spinach, requiring only one pot and minimal ingredients. This italian-inspired italian (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, tablespoons olive oil, small, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small, finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened, then stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 cups vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add drained spaghetti and 2 cups fresh spinach, tossing to coat. Cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens, adding reserved pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan for garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato and Herb 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 Tomato and Herb 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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Tomato and Herb 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 Tomato and Herb Pasta 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 Tomato and Herb Pasta 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
One pot, one clean-up, one delicious meal. Will make weekly!
- ★★★★★
My husband even asked for seconds – the spinach added a nice earthy note.
- ★★★★★
The herbs made it feel fancy, but it was so simple to make.
