One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a simple, delicious meal that combines fresh tomatoes and spinach with a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it all cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz. dry penne pasta
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper
• 2 to 3 generous handfuls fresh baby spinach
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with a fitted lid over medium heat. Add the diced onion and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the tomatoes break down into a jammy consistency.
2. Step 2: Add the dry penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and cracked black pepper to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Step 3: Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, fresh baby spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts and the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
• Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Fresh garlic minced can replace garlic powder for more robust flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any short pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time if needed according to the package instructions.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh spinach?

You can substitute frozen spinach—just thaw and drain it well before adding to the pasta at the end of cooking. Alternatively, kale or Swiss chard work well too.

One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 67 reviews

This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and comforting meal that combines penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato sauce all cooked in a single skillet. The dish is flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a rich and satisfying taste with minimal cleanup.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Produce

• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 to 3 generous handfuls fresh baby spinach
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Pantry

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 8 oz. dry penne pasta
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper

Dairy

• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat oil and cook vegetables. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet fitted with a lid over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes until the onion becomes soft and the tomatoes break down into a jammy texture.
2. Add pasta and seasonings; simmer. Add dry penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Finish with cream, spinach, and cheese. Remove the lid and stir in heavy cream, fresh baby spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
4. Garnish and serve. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, creamy pasta dish.

Notes

• To keep this dish vegetarian, ensure the marinara sauce contains no meat or animal products.
• You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli for a different texture.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or reduce the amount of cheese.
• The dish is best served fresh and warm as reheating may change the texture of the cream sauce.
• Feel free to add chili flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.

Keywords: one pan pasta, creamy tomato pasta, quick pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy dinner, skillet pasta