Name: One Pot Creamy Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 6 medium tomatoes (about 780 g / 1 lb 11 oz), bottoms trimmed flat; 1 small red onion (100 g / 3.5 oz), finely chopped; 3-4 garlic cloves (12 g / 0.4 oz), minced; 2 cups fresh spinach (60 g / 2 oz); 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (loosely packed, 12 g / 0.4 oz); 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste); 2 tbsp tomato paste (30 g / 1 oz); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 500 g pasta of choice (1 lb 2 oz); 1/3 cup vegan parmesan or regular parmesan (35 g / 1.2 oz); 1/2 cup soy cream or regular cream (120 ml / 4 fl oz); 1/2 cup water (120 ml / 4 fl oz); Extra parmesan and fresh basil

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Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Spinach Tomato Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup. Fresh tomatoes and spinach create a vibrant sauce that’s rich, creamy, and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

One Pot Creamy Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

6 medium tomatoes (about 780 g / 1 lb 11 oz), bottoms trimmed flat
1 small red onion (100 g / 3.5 oz), finely chopped
3-4 garlic cloves (12 g / 0.4 oz), minced
1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
2 tbsp tomato paste (30 g / 1 oz)
1/3 cup vegan parmesan (or regular, 35 g / 1.2 oz)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup soy cream or regular cream (120 ml / 4 fl oz)
1/2 cup water (120 ml / 4 fl oz)
500 g pasta of choice (1 lb 2 oz)
2 cups fresh spinach (60 g / 2 oz)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (loosely packed, 12 g / 0.4 oz)
Extra parmesan and basil for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Place whole tomatoes with trimmed bottoms down in a large pan. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic in the center. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, until tomatoes soften and their bottoms lightly char.
Step 2: (Optional) Carefully peel off the tomato skins for a smoother sauce before adding the tomato paste.
Step 3: Stir in the tomato paste, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour in the cream and water. Use an immersion blender directly in the pan or transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Return the sauce to the pan if blended separately. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 5: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 8–12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to combine. Stir in the fresh spinach and basil leaves, cooking just until the spinach wilts. If the sauce needs more creaminess, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 7: Serve the pasta hot, topped with extra parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor, or substitute canned whole peeled tomatoes if out of season.
For a dairy-free version, opt for vegan parmesan and soy cream or another plant-based cream.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost.
If you prefer a chunkier sauce, skip blending and gently break up the tomatoes while cooking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this sauce pairs well with most pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just cook according to the package instructions.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

It can be made vegan by using vegan parmesan and plant-based cream alternatives such as soy or oat cream.