One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick, flavorful meal that combines creamy tomato sauce, spinach, and mozzarella for a comforting dish made in just 30 minutes. With minimal prep and a single pan, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for a fast, satisfying meal.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• Versatile: You can easily adjust the veggies and proteins to suit your preferences.
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and familiar ingredients make it a hit with picky eaters.
• Packed with Flavor: Fresh spinach and mozzarella bring a delicious richness to the dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz pasta (whole wheat or chickpea pasta preferred)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cherry tomatoes, cooking for 7-8 minutes until the onion softens and tomatoes break down.
2. Add pasta, marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
3. Stir in heavy cream, spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Continue to stir until spinach wilts and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
4. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Option: Add ground chicken for a protein-packed variation.
• Feta Option: Swap mozzarella for feta cheese for a tangy twist.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use sun-dried tomatoes in place of fresh cherry tomatoes for a richer flavor.
• Vegan: Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta, but cooking times may vary depending on the shape.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can use half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative for a lighter version.

Can I make this ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I use dried spinach instead of fresh?

Fresh spinach is recommended, but if using dried, rehydrate it before adding it to the dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta alternative.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara sauce to bring some heat to the recipe.

Can I use other cheeses?

Yes! You can substitute the mozzarella with other cheeses like gouda or fontina.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Stir the pasta frequently while it simmers to prevent sticking.

Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned diced tomatoes will work fine. Just drain them before adding to the pan.

Conclusion

This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a perfect blend of rich flavors and easy prep, making it a go-to dinner for busy nights. With endless customization options, it’s sure to please every palate while keeping your kitchen mess-free!

One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This One Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal featuring creamy tomato sauce, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup, making it a family-friendly favorite. Versatile and flavorful, it’s a comforting dish with plenty of room for customization!

 

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Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz pasta (whole wheat or chickpea pasta preferred)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

• Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 7-8 minutes until the onion softens and tomatoes begin to break down.
• Add the Pasta and Sauce: Stir in pasta, marinara sauce, water, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
• Add the Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
• Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.

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Notes

• Chicken Option: Add ground chicken for a protein-packed variation.
• Feta Option: Swap mozzarella for feta cheese for a tangy twist.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, deeper flavor.
• Vegan: Use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives for a vegan version.