Description
This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender penne pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, flavorful marinara sauce, fresh spinach, and a creamy blend of heavy cream and mozzarella cheese, all cooked together in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 to 3 generous handfuls fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Pasta & Sauces
- 8 oz. dry penne pasta
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups water
Dairy
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Pantry & Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté vegetables: In a large skillet with a fitted lid, heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and the tomatoes have broken down into a jammy consistency.
- Add pasta and liquids: Stir in the dry penne pasta, marinara sauce, and 2 cups of water. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook pasta covered: Cover the skillet with its lid and cook the pasta mixture, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish with cream, spinach, and cheese: Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, fresh baby spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves over the pasta. Optionally, add grated Parmesan cheese as a finishing touch. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Use a large skillet or sauté pan with a fitted lid to ensure even cooking and proper simmering.
- If cherry tomatoes are not available, grape tomatoes or diced fresh tomatoes can be substituted.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while cooking the pasta to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Leftovers reheat well on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
