One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: I can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for hectic evenings.

• Minimal Cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pan, I spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying my meal.

• Versatile: I often switch up the vegetables or add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to suit my cravings.

• Family-Friendly: The creamy tomato sauce and cheesy goodness make it a hit with both kids and adults in my household.

• Nutritious: With fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, I feel good about serving this wholesome, veggie-packed pasta.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 cup diced yellow onion

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

• 8 ounces dry penne pasta

• 1 cup marinara sauce

• 2 cups water

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

• 2 to 3 generous handfuls fresh baby spinach

• ⅓ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves

• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Sauté Onion and Tomatoes: I heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, I add the diced onion and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking them for 7 to 8 minutes until the onion is soft and the tomatoes have broken down into a jammy consistency.

2. Simmer Pasta: I add the dry penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. I increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. I cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.

3. Stir in Spinach and Cheese: I remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. I continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.

4. Garnish and Serve: I garnish the pasta with chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired, before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: Serves 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: I sometimes add cooked ground chicken or turkey to make the dish more filling.

• Different Vegetables: I like to incorporate other veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

• Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the cooking process.

• Cheese Options: I occasionally swap out the mozzarella for feta or goat cheese for a different taste profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Reheating: I reheat the pasta on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce, or I microwave individual portions until heated through.

• Freezing: I freeze the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I often use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and protein. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is it okay to use frozen spinach?

Absolutely. I thaw and drain the frozen spinach before adding it to the skillet to prevent excess moisture.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, I substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether.

What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?

I use chopped regular tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes as a substitute, adjusting the cooking time to ensure they break down properly.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If I prefer a thicker sauce, I let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after adding the cream and cheese to reduce the liquid.

Conclusion

This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that satisfies my cravings for comfort food without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. Its versatility allows me to tailor it to my taste preferences, and it’s always a hit with family and friends. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the rich, creamy flavors that make this pasta a standout meal.