Tomato Spinach One-Pot Rotini

Experience the ultimate comfort of a vibrant, Italian-inspired meal with this Tomato Spinach One-Pot Rotini. This dish brings together the heartiness of rotini pasta with the freshness of baby spinach and juicy tomatoes, all simmered in a savory vegetable broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe ensures a delicious dinner is on the table in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup required.

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The beauty of this recipe lies in its efficiency. By cooking the pasta directly in the vegetable broth and tomato juices, the rotini absorbs every bit of flavor, resulting in a rich and cohesive sauce that perfectly coats every spiral.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) rotini pasta, uncooked
• Vegetables: 400 g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes (with juices), 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh baby spinach, 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• Liquids: 900 ml (4 cups) vegetable broth, 2 tbsp olive oil
• Seasonings: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), salt and black pepper to taste
• Cheese (optional): 40 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

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Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.

Step 2

Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3

Add diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the rotini. Stir well.

Step 5

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 6

Stir in spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, until wilted.

Step 7

If using, add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, topped with additional Parmesan if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, be sure to simmer the pasta uncovered and stir occasionally. This allows the liquid to reduce properly into a rich sauce while preventing the rotini from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a vegan-friendly version, simply omit the Parmesan or swap it for your favorite plant-based cheese alternative. If you want to boost the protein, stir in some cooked chickpeas or white beans. You can also substitute rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli if you prefer.

Serviervorschläge

This one-pot meal pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a side of crusty bread to soak up the remaining tomato sauce. Serve it immediately while hot for the creamiest texture.

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Enjoy this simple yet flavorful Tomato Spinach One-Pot Rotini, a perfect example of how fresh ingredients and one pot can create a truly satisfying vegetarian dinner.

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Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, absolutely. Use about 500g (4-5 medium) fresh tomatoes, diced. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly so the tomatoes break down and release their juices. For best results, choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes.

→ What pasta alternatives work for this dish?

Penne, fusilli, or farfalle are excellent substitutes for rotini. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed—just follow the package instructions for cooking time. All shapes will absorb the broth and flavors beautifully.

→ How do I make this dish vegan?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The vegetable broth keeps it completely plant-based. You can also add cooked chickpeas or white beans for extra protein and substance.

→ What's the best way to store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid as it sits, so you may want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the pasta texture is optimal immediately after cooking. However, you can prepare the vegetable mixture and broth base a few hours ahead, then cook the pasta just before serving for the best results.

→ What proteins can I add to make it heartier?

Cooked chickpeas, white beans, or lentils blend seamlessly into this dish. For non-vegetarian options, crumbled cooked sausage, diced chicken, or shrimp also work wonderfully. Add them in the final minutes of cooking.