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One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 80 reviews

This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and delicious meal featuring penne pasta cooked in a savory tomato and marinara sauce with fresh spinach, finished with creamy mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s an easy, comforting dish made entirely in one pan, perfect for busy weeknights when you want flavor without the fuss.

Ingredients

Base 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

Seasonings

  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper

Greens and Dairy

  • 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. Heat the Oil and Sauté Onions: In a large deep skillet or pan, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.
  3. Add Pasta, Marinara, and Water: Pour in the dry penne pasta, marinara sauce, and 2 cups of water. Stir everything together to combine and spread the pasta evenly in the pan.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pan partially and let the pasta simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  5. Incorporate Spinach and Cream: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the fresh baby spinach handfuls until wilted. Then add the heavy cream, mixing gently to create a creamy sauce.
  6. Add Cheese and Basil: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves over the pasta. Stir gently until the cheese has melted and combined with the creamy sauce.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and plate the creamy tomato pasta. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Using fresh cherry tomatoes adds brightness, but canned diced tomatoes can be substituted if needed.
  • Adjust the water quantity if you prefer a saucier pasta; add more water a little at a time during cooking.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
  • Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan.
  • This recipe can be doubled easily by using a larger pan.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/one-pan-creamy-tomato-pasta-recipe/