Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, one-pot pasta dish featuring a simple tomato sauce and wilted spinach, ideal for weeknight dinners that even picky eaters enjoy. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

★ 4.3 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (add 1 tbsp salt to the water), then add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, then simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 cups fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until wilted.
  5. Step 5: Return the drained spaghetti to the skillet, adding 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until the pasta is evenly coated.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh 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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh 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 Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Spinach?

Italian kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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