Name: One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 80 reviews

If you’re searching for a dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly, the One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together tender cherry tomatoes, hearty penne pasta, and a dreamy creamy tomato sauce all cooked in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to savor every bite. The fresh baby spinach and basil add a vibrant pop of color and flavor, making this meal feel fresh and comforting at the same time. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or someone who loves simple, cozy meals, this recipe is bound to become a delicious staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two black pans with red handles on a white marbled surface, filled with penne pasta and tomato sauce at different cooking stages. The left pan contains pasta submerged in a bright red tomato broth with visible cherry tomato halves and bits of herbs, creating a soupy texture with a mix of red, orange, and light yellow tones. The right pan shows fully cooked pasta coated evenly in a thicker, deeper red tomato sauce with a slightly chunky texture, and the pasta is well mixed with the sauce, showing no broth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple but essential, combining to create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the sweet cherry tomatoes to the creamy mozzarella, every component plays a crucial role in making this pasta both rich and satisfying.

Extra-virgin olive oil (2 Tbsp.): The base for sautéing and adding a fruity, smooth richness.
Diced yellow onion (1 cup): Provides a gentle sweetness that deepens the sauce’s flavor.
Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 pint): Bursting with natural sweetness and juiciness to brighten the dish.
Dry penne pasta (8 oz.): Its tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
Marinara sauce (1 cup): Adds a concentrated tomato flavor and smooth texture.
Water (2 cups): The cooking liquid that helps the pasta soften and blends all the flavors together.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp.): Gives a subtle garlicky warmth without overpowering.
Dried oregano (1/2 tsp.): Adds a classic Italian herb note that complements the tomatoes.
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper (1/2 tsp. each): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Fresh baby spinach (2 to 3 generous handfuls): Adds freshness, color, and a mild earthy taste.
Heavy cream (1/3 cup): Gives the sauce its luscious, silky texture.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness.
Chopped fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup): Infuses a bright, aromatic finish with every bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a sharp, nutty garnish to elevate the dish.

How to Make One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Tomatoes

Start by warming the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent, releasing that irresistible sweet aroma. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes, letting them cook until they start to burst and soften, creating a vibrant, juicy base for your sauce.

Step 2: Add Pasta and Liquids

Next comes the magic moment—add the dry penne pasta right into the pan along with the marinara sauce and water. This one-pan technique means your pasta will cook directly in the sauce, absorbing all those incredible tomato flavors as it softens. Stir in the garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper to season every bite.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Bring everything to a simmer, then reduce the heat slightly and cover. Let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. When the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed, you have the foundation of that creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Stir in Spinach, Cream, and Cheese

Now it’s time to brighten and enrich your dish—add the fresh baby spinach, stirring until it wilts beautifully. Pour in the heavy cream for that signature creamy texture, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a dreamy consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve

The final touch is folding in the chopped fresh basil leaves, which add a fresh, fragrant note that brings everything together. Give the pasta one last gentle mix, then it’s ready to plate and enjoy!

How to Serve One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

A black skillet filled with short tube-shaped pasta coated in a red-orange sauce sits on a white marbled surface. In the left image, the pasta forms the bottom layer, covering the skillet. On top, fresh dark green spinach leaves are scattered mainly on the right side, and crumbled white cheese piles up in the center. In the right image, the pasta is mixed with the spinach and cheese, showing a creamy red-orange sauce with wilted green spinach leaves evenly spread among the pasta. The skillet handles have red accents. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a beautiful way to finish this dish, introducing a nutty depth that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce. For an extra pop of freshness, a few more basil leaves or a dash of cracked black pepper make the flavors shine even brighter.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or some garlic bread which soaks up every last bit of that creamy tomato sauce. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or zucchini also add a healthy and vibrant complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta family-style right from the pan in the center of the table to encourage everyone to dig in and share. Alternatively, plate it in warm shallow bowls and garnish individually with Parmesan and basil for a more elegant presentation perfect for guests or a cozy date night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors deepen over time, making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers by portioning the pasta into freezer-safe containers. It stores nicely for up to 2 months, though the texture of the spinach may soften more upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Alternatively, warming in the microwave in short bursts works well, just be sure to stir occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great for holding the sauce, you can substitute with other shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti depending on your preference. Just remember to adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and replace the mozzarella with vegan cheese. The dish will still be creamy and flavorful without any dairy.

Can I add protein to this pasta?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu make great additions to boost protein. Just cook them separately and toss them in at the end so they stay juicy and tender.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I make it spicier?

The base recipe is mild and comforting, but you can easily add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking to give it a nice kick without overwhelming the creamy tomato flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

No worries! Dried basil can be used in a pinch, added along with the oregano in step two. Fresh herbs do provide a brighter flavor, but dried versions still add that lovely Italian touch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe that combines ease, flavor, and comfort in such a beautifully simple way. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy solo dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a treasured part of your mealtime rotation!