why make this recipe
One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a fantastic dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something delicious without a lot of fuss. The best part? Everything cooks together in one pan, meaning less cleanup for you! The creamy sauce and fresh ingredients make this pasta comforting and satisfying for the whole family.
how to make One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
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. each kosher salt and 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)
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, until the onion is soft and the tomatoes have broken down and become jammy.
- Add the dry penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
- 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.
- Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and mozzarella cheese. Mix continuously until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, which takes about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
how to serve One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
Serve this delicious pasta hot from the skillet. It makes a great meal on its own, but you can also pair it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete dinner. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for that added flavor!
how to store One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
tips to make One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks to prevent sticking.
- For extra flavor, you can add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Feel free to use other types of pasta if you don’t have penne on hand. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. If you want to sneak in more veggies, consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Use non-dairy cream for a vegan version and plant-based cheese for a dairy-free option.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! You can substitute penne with any pasta shape you have, but adjust the cooking time as some shapes may require more or less time.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s not spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure that your marinara sauce does not contain meat.
One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet with a lid over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, until the onion is soft and the tomatoes have broken down and become jammy.
- Add the dry penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
- 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.
- Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and mozzarella cheese. Mix continuously until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, which takes about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.