One Pot Spinach Broccoli: Amazing Creamy Bliss

Name: One Pot Spinach Broccoli: Amazing Creamy Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 pieces jumbo pasta shells; 15 oz whole milk ricotta; 1 cup chopped broccoli; 2 cups baby spinach; 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk; 1 cup shredded spicy cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded provolone cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil; 1 teaspoon lemon zest

by Fatima Garcia

•

1 de September de 2025

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One Pot Spinach Broccoli has become my absolute go-to for those busy weeknights when I’m craving something comforting but don’t have a lot of time. I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish; the aroma of garlic and simmering cheese filled my kitchen, and my family practically ran to the table! It’s just so incredibly creamy and satisfying, with the tender pasta, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked broccoli all melding together in a rich sauce. This easy one pot spinach broccoli recipe is a lifesaver, making cleanup a breeze while delivering maximum flavor. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Spinach Broccoli

You’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons. It’s the ultimate weeknight savior!

It’s incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep and no complicated steps.
Cleanup is a dream thanks to the one pot preparation.
The creamy, cheesy sauce is pure comfort food bliss.
It’s packed with nutritious ingredients like spinach and broccoli, making it a healthy one pot spinach broccoli choice.
The blend of cheeses adds a wonderful richness that’s simply irresistible.
This quick one pot spinach broccoli comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
It’s a fantastic way to get your greens in without even trying.
You can easily customize the spice level to your preference.

Ingredients for One Pot Spinach Broccoli

Gathering your ingredients for this simple yet delicious dish is half the fun! Here’s everything you’ll need to create this creamy pasta wonder:

12 pieces jumbo pasta shells – these are the perfect vessels for all that cheesy goodness
15 oz whole milk ricotta – for that classic creamy filling
1 cup chopped broccoli – adds a lovely bite and nutrition
2 cups baby spinach – wilts down beautifully into the sauce
1 cup heavy cream or whole milk – creates the luscious, smooth sauce that makes this an easy one pot spinach broccoli dish
1 cup shredded spicy cheddar cheese – for a little kick and amazing meltability
1 cup shredded provolone cheese – adds a mild, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses
1 teaspoon garlic powder – essential for that savory depth
1 teaspoon onion powder – enhances the overall flavor profile
1 teaspoon paprika – for a hint of color and subtle sweetness
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder – gives this one pot creamy spinach broccoli its signature warmth
1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil – adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor
1 teaspoon lemon zest – brightens everything up and cuts through the richness

How to Make One Pot Spinach Broccoli

This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss, making it a dream for busy nights. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together right in one pot!

Step 1: Begin by bringing 4 cups of water to a vigorous boil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add a pinch of salt to season the cooking water.
Step 2: Carefully add the 12 jumbo pasta shells and the 1 cup chopped broccoli to the boiling water. Cook for approximately 8 minutes, or until the pasta shells are just tender (al dente). Don’t drain the water; it’s essential for our sauce!
Step 3: Reduce the heat slightly, then gently stir in the 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk. Let it warm through for a minute.
Step 4: Now, add the 2 cups baby spinach, 1 cup shredded spicy cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded provolone cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder. Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is wonderfully creamy and thick. The spinach will wilt down beautifully, creating a vibrant green hue. This is where the magic of an easy one pot spinach broccoli truly shines.
Step 5: Once the sauce is smooth and luscious, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. The fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish, and the lemon zest cuts through the richness, making this a perfectly balanced one pot creamy spinach broccoli dish. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash more milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve this delightful one pot spinach broccoli dinner immediately, right from the pot. Garnish with a little extra fresh basil and lemon zest for a beautiful presentation and an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy this simple yet incredibly satisfying meal!

Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Spinach Broccoli

Elevate your pasta game with these simple tricks for consistently amazing results:

Don’t overcook the pasta and broccoli in Step 2. They will continue to cook slightly in the hot sauce.
Use freshly shredded cheeses for the smoothest, creamiest sauce. Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. A little extra salt, pepper, or even a pinch more chipotle can make a big difference.
For an even richer sauce, use half heavy cream and half whole milk.

What’s the secret to perfect One Pot Spinach Broccoli?

The real secret to a perfect one pot creamy spinach broccoli is creating a fantastic sauce base. Using a combination of heavy cream and shredded cheeses, along with reserved pasta water, ensures a luxuriously smooth and flavorful sauce that coats everything beautifully. For more tips on creating creamy sauces, check out this guide on sauce making techniques.

Can I make One Pot Spinach Broccoli ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some components ahead. Cook the pasta and broccoli, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the pasta and broccoli in the pot, then add the cream, cheeses, and spinach, stirring until heated through and the sauce is creamy. This is a great way to save time on busy days, much like other make-ahead meal prep ideas.

How do I avoid common mistakes with One Pot Spinach Broccoli?

A common pitfall is a grainy sauce; this usually happens when using pre-shredded cheese. Another mistake is overcooking the pasta. Remember to cook it just until al dente, as it will finish cooking in the sauce, ensuring a perfect texture for your quick one pot spinach broccoli. Understanding the science behind cooking pasta can help prevent this; learn more about pasta cooking science.

Best Ways to Serve One Pot Spinach Broccoli

This comforting pasta dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. For a complete meal, try serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. This offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. You could also offer some crusty garlic bread for dipping into any leftover sauce. This one pot garlic spinach broccoli is also delicious with a side of roasted asparagus or a simple Caprese salad for a lovely Italian-inspired meal. If you’re looking for more Italian-inspired dishes, explore these Italian recipes.

One Pot Spinach Broccoli: Amazing Creamy Bliss - One Pot Spinach Broccoli - additional detail

Nutrition Facts for One Pot Spinach Broccoli

This delicious one pot spinach broccoli dish is satisfying and packed with flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving:

Calories: 450 kcal
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Protein: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more information on nutritional tracking, you can consult resources on healthy eating habits.

How to Store and Reheat One Pot Spinach Broccoli

Leftovers of this amazing one pot spinach broccoli are almost as good as the fresh batch! Once it’s cooled down a bit, transfer any remaining pasta into an airtight container. It should keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you’re thinking long-term, you can absolutely freeze portions of this dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. For refrigerated portions, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, and adding a splash of milk or cream if it seems a bit thick. For frozen portions, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator first before reheating. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until heated through. This makes having a delicious bowl of one pot creamy spinach broccoli super convenient!

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Spinach Broccoli

Can I use different vegetables in this One Pot Spinach Broccoli?

Absolutely! While spinach and broccoli are fantastic, feel free to experiment. Peas, asparagus, or even chopped zucchini would be delicious additions to this one pot creamy spinach broccoli. Just make sure to add them at the right time so they cook perfectly. Explore other vegetable recipe ideas.

What kind of pasta works best for this One Pot Spinach Broccoli recipe?

Jumbo shells are ideal because they hold all the creamy goodness, but you can use other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle. If you use a different pasta, you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly. This easy one pot spinach broccoli is quite forgiving!

How can I make this One Pot Spinach Broccoli recipe dairy-free or vegan?

To make it vegan, swap the ricotta and cheeses for a dairy-free alternative like cashew ricotta and shredded vegan cheese blends. Use a plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, instead of heavy cream or whole milk. The result will be a wonderfully creamy and satisfying healthy one pot spinach broccoli without any dairy.

Variations of One Pot Spinach Broccoli You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are so many fun ways to switch up this one pot spinach broccoli! It’s so versatile, you can tailor it to your mood or dietary needs.

Lemon Garlic Twist: For a brighter flavor profile, add an extra teaspoon of lemon zest and a clove or two of minced fresh garlic in Step 4. This creates a zesty and aromatic one pot lemon spinach broccoli that’s absolutely divine.
Spicy Sausage Addition: Brown some Italian sausage (pork or turkey) before starting the pasta in Step 1. Remove the sausage, cook the pasta and broccoli, then add the cooked sausage back in with the cheese and spinach for a heartier, protein-packed meal.
Creamy Vegan Version: Swap the dairy ricotta and cheeses for your favorite vegan alternatives. Unsweetened cashew cream or a dairy-free ricotta blend works wonderfully, and a good vegan shredded cheese will melt beautifully. Use plant-based milk for the sauce to make this a delicious one pot spinach broccoli vegan delight.
Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil: Stir in a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the spinach and cheese in Step 4. The intense, sweet flavor of the tomatoes adds another layer of deliciousness to this already fantastic dish.