Description
This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal combining tender penne with a rich tomato sauce, fresh spinach, and creamy cheese, all cooked effortlessly in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper
Add-Ins
- 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
- Heat the oil and cook vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet with a fitted lid over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for 7 to 8 minutes until the onion is soft and the tomatoes become broken down and jammy.
- Add pasta and seasonings: Stir in the dry penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer pasta: Cover the skillet with the lid and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Finish with cream, spinach, and cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, fresh baby spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze cooked pasta in zip-top bags or containers for up to 2 months; defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat in a covered pot, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave individual portions until steaming hot.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
