Tomato Spinach One-Pot Rotini (Print Version)

Tender rotini pasta cooked with canned tomatoes, fresh spinach, and herbs in a flavorful vegetable broth for a simple weeknight dinner.

# Ingredients List:

→ 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 (optional)
11 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Cheese (optional)

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

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 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, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
04 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the rotini pasta. Stir well to ensure all pasta is submerged in the liquid.
05 - Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until just wilted and vibrant green.
07 - If using, add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
08 - Serve hot in bowls, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The pasta cooks directly in the flavorful broth, absorbing every bit of tomato and herb essence
  • Cleanup consists of exactly one pot and maybe a wine glass
  • It comes together in thirty minutes but tastes like something that simmered all afternoon
02 -
  • The pasta will continue absorbing liquid after you turn off the heat, so I like to leave just a little extra sauce in the pot
  • If the mixture looks too thick before the pasta is done, add a splash more broth or water
  • Stirring frequently during the last few minutes of cooking prevents the bottom from scorching
03 -
  • Reserve a handful of fresh spinach to add as a garnish just before serving for pops of bright green
  • A splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta stirred in at the end makes it incredibly luxurious
  • Grate your own Parmesan from a wedge rather than using pre-grated cheese for better melting and flavor
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