Description
This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and easy dinner that combines penne pasta with a flavorful mix of cherry tomatoes, spinach, and cheeses all cooked together in a single skillet. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it features a rich and creamy sauce enhanced by fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Units
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Main 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
- 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 1 cup diced yellow onion and 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes; cook for 7 to 8 minutes until the onion is soft and the tomatoes have broken down into a jammy consistency.
- Add pasta and seasonings, then simmer: Stir in 8 ounces dry penne pasta, 1 cup marinara sauce, 2 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Cover with the lid and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 12 minutes.
- Add cream, spinach, and cheese: Remove the lid and stir in 1/3 cup heavy cream, 2 to 3 generous handfuls of fresh baby spinach, and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze cooked pasta in zip-top bags or freezer-safe 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 warmed through, or microwave individual portions until steaming hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
