Why Make This Recipe
Creamy One-Pot Penne Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, delicious meal. This dish combines the heartiness of pasta with the freshness of spinach and tomatoes. You will love how easy it is to make and how little cleanup there is since everything is cooked in one pot. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights, and the creamy sauce makes it feel special.
How to Make Creamy One-Pot Penne Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil then add the penne pasta.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Add the fresh spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until the spinach is wilted and everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil.
How to Serve Creamy One-Pot Penne Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
This creamy pasta dish can be served in bowls or on plates. Garnish each serving with fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color. It pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
How to Store Creamy One-Pot Penne Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to bring back the creaminess.
Tips to Make Creamy One-Pot Penne Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
- To save time, chop your garlic and prepare the other ingredients while the pasta cooks.
- For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Feel free to mix in any other vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers or mushrooms.
Variation
You can swap the penne pasta for any pasta you prefer, such as fusilli or farfalle. Additionally, you can use chicken or even shrimp for added protein.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
How long does it take to make this pasta?
It takes about 30 minutes to make, from start to finish.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. The texture may change slightly when reheated.
Creamy One-Pot Penne Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This simple and delicious one-pot recipe combines the heartiness of penne pasta with the freshness of spinach and tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil then add the penne pasta.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Add the fresh spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until the spinach is wilted and everything is well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
To save time, prepare your ingredients while the pasta cooks. For added spice, include red pepper flakes. You can also swap penne for any preferred pasta and add proteins like chicken or shrimp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
