Tomato Spinach One-Pot Rotini (Print Version)

Tender rotini cooks directly with tomatoes, spinach, and broth for a quick, satisfying meal.

# What You'll 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 extra for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 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, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all seasonings.
04 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the uncooked rotini pasta. Stir well to ensure all pasta is submerged in the liquid.
05 - Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 to 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 to 2 minutes until completely wilted and incorporated.
07 - If desired, add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy, creating a rich, cohesive sauce.
08 - Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The pasta cooks directly in the flavorful liquid, absorbing all those tomato and herb notes instead of boiling in plain water
  • Cleanup takes literally two minutes since everything happens in one vessel
02 -
  • The pasta continues absorbing liquid even after you turn off the heat, so err on the side of slightly more liquid remaining rather than less
  • Stir more frequently toward the end—the higher starch content can make things stick to the bottom
03 -
  • Use a pot with a heavy bottom to prevent hot spots that might scorch the sauce
  • Grate your own Parmesan instead of using pre-grated—it melts so much better
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