One-Pot Tomato and Herb Pasta with Spinach

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

A simple, comforting pasta dish made with fresh herbs and spinach, requiring only one pot and minimal ingredients. This 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. 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 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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