Description
A delicious and easy one-pan creamy tomato pasta made with penne, cherry tomatoes, marinara sauce, fresh spinach, and a blend of cheeses for a comforting weeknight meal.
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 Oil and Cook Vegetables: 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 until the onion is soft and the tomatoes have broken down and become jammy.
- Add Pasta and Seasonings: Add 8 ounces of dry penne pasta, 1 cup of marinara sauce, 2 cups of water, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon each of kosher salt and cracked black pepper to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Pasta: Cover the skillet with the lid and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
- 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 for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves and optionally garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze the 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 heated through, or microwave individual portions until steaming hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: fifty-five g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
