Description
Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—this one pan pasta with marinara, fresh basil, and melty mozzarella is a quick vegetarian dinner everyone loves.
Ingredients
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 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)
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 7–8 minutes until onion is soft and tomatoes are jammy.
Cook Pasta: Stir in penne, marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Add Spinach & Cheese: Remove lid. Stir in heavy cream, spinach, and mozzarella. Cook for another 2 minutes, until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
Finish: Garnish with fresh basil and optional Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
Swap in your favorite short pasta like rotini or rigatoni.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Use canned diced tomatoes in place of cherry tomatoes if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
