Tomato Spinach One-Pot Rotini (Printable Version)

Vibrant rotini pasta simmered with diced tomatoes, tender spinach, and aromatic herbs in a rich vegetable broth.

# 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 tbsp olive oil
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
10 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
11 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Cheese

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

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
03 - Add diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all seasonings.
04 - Bring mixture to a boil, then add rotini pasta. Stir well to ensure pasta is submerged and evenly distributed.
05 - Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Stir in fresh baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until completely wilted and incorporated.
07 - If using, add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy, creating a rich, cohesive sauce.
08 - Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, topped with additional grated Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The pasta cooks directly in the simmering liquid, absorbing every bit of flavor from tomatoes and herbs
  • Single pot means less time washing dishes and more time actually enjoying dinner
  • Perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for casual weekend meals
02 -
  • The pasta continues absorbing liquid as it sits, so remove from heat while still slightly saucy
  • Reserve a splash of broth before finishing if you prefer a looser, more soup-like consistency
03 -
  • Use a wide pot rather than a tall narrow one so the pasta cooks evenly
  • Stir more frequently toward the end to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom
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