Tomato Spinach One-Pot Rotini (Print Version)

Tender rotini simmered with juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic broth in one pot for effortless cleanup.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz rotini pasta, uncooked

→ Vegetables

02 - 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, with juices
03 - 3.5 oz fresh baby spinach
04 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Liquids

06 - 4 cups vegetable broth

→ Seasonings

07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Cheese

12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving, optional

# How To Make:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
04 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then add rotini and stir well.
05 - Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Stir in spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
07 - If using, add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
08 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, topped with additional Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The pasta cooks directly in the flavorful broth, creating its own creamy sauce without any extra work
  • Everything happens in one pot, meaning less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal
  • This recipe comes together quickly using pantry staples, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen
02 -
  • Resist the urge to rinse the pasta after cooking, as the starchy liquid is what makes the sauce so luxurious and coating
  • The pasta will continue absorbing liquid even after you turn off the heat, so if the sauce looks a little too thick, add a splash more broth before serving
  • Different pasta brands absorb liquid at different rates, so check the pasta a minute or two earlier than the recipe suggests the first time you make it
03 -
  • Use a pot with a heavy bottom to prevent hot spots that might cause the pasta to stick or cook unevenly
  • If you want to meal prep this, cook it slightly less than al dente as it will continue cooking when reheated
  • The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so if you're saving leftovers, add a splash of broth when reheating
Go Back