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Creamy Tomato Pasta Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 18 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a simple and delicious one-pot meal featuring penne pasta cooked with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy tomato sauce. This quick stovetop recipe combines fresh ingredients and rich cheese for a comforting dinner in just 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Units Scale

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

  1. Heat oil and sauté vegetables. Heat 2 Tbsp. 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 until the onion is soft and the tomatoes have broken down into a jammy consistency.
  2. Add pasta and seasonings, then simmer. Stir in the dry penne pasta, marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  3. Add 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.
  4. Garnish and serve. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze the cooked pasta in zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months; defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat warmed leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat in a covered pot, stirring occasionally, 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: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg