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One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

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4.1 from 52 reviews

One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and easy skillet meal featuring penne pasta cooked with cherry tomatoes, marinara sauce, and fresh spinach, all simmered to perfection and finished with creamy mozzarella and basil. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting Italian-inspired dish delivers rich flavors and creamy texture in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

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

Seasonings

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

Finishing Ingredients

  • 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. Sauté the aromatics and tomatoes: Heat 2 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet with a fitted lid over medium heat. Add diced onion and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and tomatoes break down into a jammy consistency.
  2. Add pasta and liquid: 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.
  3. Simmer pasta: Cover the skillet with the lid and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
  4. 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, creating a creamy sauce.
  5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta and, if desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm immediately.

Notes

  • Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Freeze the pasta in zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat: Warm leftovers on the stovetop in a covered pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or microwave individual servings until steaming.

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