Are you ready to transform your weeknight dinners into a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort? Meet the "One Pot Weeknight Hero," a delightful Italian dish that promises to become your go-to recipe for busy evenings! In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that serves four, combining the rich flavors of sautéed onions, garlic, and juicy tomatoes with perfectly cooked penne pasta and fresh spinach. This one-pot wonder not only saves you time on cleanup but also ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy yet delicious dish!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Place a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add olive oil. Allow the oil to warm for 30 seconds.
- Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Mince the garlic and add to the onions, cooking for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Pour the entire can of diced tomatoes into the skillet, including the juice. Stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Add the penne pasta directly into the skillet, ensuring the pasta is mostly covered by the tomato liquid. If needed, add 1/2 cup water to ensure pasta is submerged.
- Cover the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking, until pasta is almost tender.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and pasta is fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir to incorporate and allow cheese to melt.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save even more time, chop the onions and mince the garlic ahead of time. Store them in the fridge so they’re ready to go when you are!
- Pasta Perfection: Make sure the penne pasta is mostly submerged in the tomato liquid. If you find it’s not covered, add a little more water to prevent it from sticking.
- Stir Occasionally: While the pasta simmers, give it a stir every few minutes. This will help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Fresh Spinach: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding other greens like kale or arugula along with the spinach, or toss in some cherry tomatoes for added sweetness.
- Cheese It Up: Don’t hold back on the Parmesan! Feel free to sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving or mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a unique twist.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate the presentation by garnishing your dish with fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness!
- Leftover Love: This dish makes great leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge, and simply reheat when you’re ready for round two.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
