One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines the ease of a one-pan recipe with the rich flavors of creamy tomatoes, fresh spinach, and gooey cheese. Each ingredient melds together beautifully, making it not only tasty but also visually appealing. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and clean up afterward is a breeze.

How to Make One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Making One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a simple and straightforward process. Here’s how you can recreate this delightful dish in your kitchen.

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

1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet that has a fitted lid. Use medium heat to ensure the oil heats evenly.

2. Once the oil is hot, add the diced yellow onion and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes. You want the onions to become soft and sweet while the tomatoes should break down and turn jammy. Stir them occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Next, add the dry penne pasta, marinara sauce, and 2 cups of water to the skillet. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.

4. Increase the heat to medium-high until the mixture begins to simmer. Once it reaches a simmer, cover the skillet with its lid.

5. Let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes al dente. This should take about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure the liquid doesn’t evaporate too quickly; if it looks dry, add a little more water.

6. After the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and mozzarella cheese. Continuously stir the mixture for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts beautifully into the sauce.

7. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

How to Serve One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Serving One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a simple affair. Once you’ve finished cooking, scoop generous portions onto plates. You can add a little more grated Parmesan cheese on top for those who enjoy that extra cheesy flavor. Pair this dish with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. This pasta is good on its own but can be enhanced with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you prefer a touch of spice.

How to Store One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

If you have leftovers, you can store them easily. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the pasta seems dry after reheating, add a splash of water or extra cream to bring back its creamy texture.

Tips to Make One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this dish is straightforward, using fresh ingredients can elevate the flavor significantly. Opt for ripe tomatoes and freshly grated cheese whenever possible.

2. Customize Your Greens: While spinach works perfectly, you can swap it for other greens like kale or arugula. Just ensure they cook down well.

3. Balance the Creaminess: If you want a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or use half-and-half instead.

4. Make it More Flavorful: Consider adding chopped garlic along with the onions for an extra kick. Fresh herbs can also be added for depth.

5. Keep an Eye on Liquid Levels: The pasta will absorb a lot of liquid during cooking. If you prefer a saucier dish, you may want to keep some extra marinara sauce or cream on hand.

Variations

The beauty of One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta lies in its flexibility.

• Protein Addition: You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to make this dish heartier. Simply sauté the protein separately before adding them to the pasta in the final step.

• A Vegetarian Twist: For a vegetarian option, consider adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms along with the onions and tomatoes to amp up the veggies.

• Different Pasta Types: While penne is delicious, feel free to use any pasta shape you love, whether it’s rotini, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can cook the pasta ahead of time and store it. Simply reheat before serving and add a splash of wine or broth to freshen it up.

2. Is One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta suitable for kids?
   Absolutely! This dish is creamy and flavorful, which makes it very appealing to children. Just be cautious with the seasoning and adjust according to your child’s taste.

3. Can I freeze One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta?
   It’s not recommended to freeze the creamy pasta as dairy can separate when thawed. But if you must, try to leave out the cream and cheese until you are ready to reheat. You can add them fresh at that time.

In conclusion, One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a delightful dish that combines flavor and convenience. Whether you’re looking forward to a cozy family dinner or a satisfying meal, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Enjoy cooking, and don’t hesitate to make this dish your own with your favorite touches!

One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

Print Recipe

A quick and comforting meal of creamy tomato pasta made in one pan, featuring fresh spinach and gooey cheese.

• Author: lila-monroe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)

Instructions

1. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet that has a fitted lid over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the diced yellow onion and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes until onions are soft and tomatoes break down.
3. Next, add the dry penne pasta, marinara sauce, and 2 cups of water to the skillet, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.
4. Increase the heat to medium-high until the mixture begins to simmer, then cover the skillet.
5. Let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Add more water if it looks dry.
6. After the pasta is cooked, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and mozzarella cheese, stirring for about 2 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts.
7. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh basil and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for better flavor. This dish can be customized with various greens and pasta types.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: creamy tomato pasta, one pan pasta, easy weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta