Description

This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal featuring tender penne pasta cooked with cherry tomatoes, onions, and marinara sauce in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. Enhanced with fresh spinach, mozzarella, and basil, it offers a perfect balance of fresh and comforting flavors with minimal cleanup.

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
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

Optional Garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: 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. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and the tomatoes break down and become jammy, creating a flavorful base.
Add Pasta and Liquids: 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 and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Simmer Until Pasta is Al Dente: Cover the skillet with the lid and let the mixture cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite.
Incorporate Cream and Greens: Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, fresh baby spinach, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese fully melts into the sauce, making it creamy and rich.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta and, if desired, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy this comforting and vibrant one-pan meal hot.

Notes

Use a large skillet with a fitted lid to ensure even cooking and to trap steam for the pasta.
Adjust seasonings to taste, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.
Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or arugula for different flavor profiles.
Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the pan during cooking.
Parmesan garnish is optional but adds a nice savory touch.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: one pan pasta, creamy tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, skillet pasta, quick dinner, tomato spinach pasta, penne pasta recipe