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One Pot Pasta
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One Pot Pasta Recipe (Easy 30-Minute Dinner)

This creamy One Pot Pasta is an easy 30-minute dinner made with penne pasta, garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Everything cooks together in one pot for a rich, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: 30 Minute Dinner, Creamy One Pot Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, One Pan Pasta, One Pot Pasta
Servings: 6
Calories: 435kcal

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 3 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • Fresh parsley and additional Parmesan for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir well. Add the uncooked penne pasta, making sure it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
  • Add the fresh spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring until the spinach wilts into the pasta.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.
  • Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, fresh basil, and cracked black pepper.

Notes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts much smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Add a splash of broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor.
  • Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 455 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Protein: 14g
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 590mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 5g