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One Pan Tomato Pasta
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One Pan Tomato Pasta: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Hack

This one pan tomato pasta takes the concept to new heights by cooking everything yes, everything in a single pan from start to finish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz tagliatelle or spaghetti uncooked
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
  • 3-4 cups fresh spinach packed
  • 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 3-4 cups vegetable broth enough to cover pasta
  • Seasonings
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Italian seasoning to taste
  • Red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • For Topping
  • Grated cheese Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheese of choice

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare All Ingredients
  • Halve cherry tomatoes
  • Thinly slice red onion
  • Mince garlic cloves
  • Wash and dry fresh spinach
  • Measure out all other ingredients
  • Choose a large, deep skillet or sauté pan with lid
  • Ensure pan is large enough for pasta to lie relatively flat
  • Step 2: Add Pasta and Vegetables to Pan
  • Place uncooked pasta directly in the pan
  • Arrange pasta as evenly as possible across bottom
  • Add halved cherry tomatoes on top
  • Add sliced red onion
  • Scatter minced garlic throughout
  • Add fresh spinach (will look like a lot but wilts down)
  • Dollop tomato paste around the pan in several spots
  • Step 3: Season and Add Oil
  • Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons olive oil over everything
  • Season generously with salt and black pepper
  • Add Italian seasoning to taste
  • Add red pepper flakes if using (for heat)
  • Do not stir yet - ingredients should remain layered
  • Step 4: Add Vegetable Broth
  • Pour 3-4 cups vegetable broth over everything
  • Ensure liquid just barely covers the pasta
  • Pasta should be mostly submerged but not swimming
  • Add more broth if needed to cover pasta
  • Exact amount depends on pan size
  • Step 5: Bring to Simmer and Cover
  • Place pan over medium heat
  • Wait until liquid just starts to bubble gently
  • Immediately reduce heat to low
  • Cover pan tightly with lid
  • Do not stir or peek during this time
  • Set timer for 15 minutes
  • Let cook undisturbed
  • Step 6: Stir and Add Cream
  • After 15 minutes, remove lid
  • Pasta should be almost tender
  • Cherry tomatoes should be burst and juicy
  • Spinach should be completely wilted
  • Stir everything together well
  • Pour in ½ cup heavy cream
  • Stir cream through the pasta
  • If sauce looks too thick, add splash more broth
  • If too thin, continue cooking uncovered to reduce
  • Step 7: Final Cooking
  • Continue cooking uncovered for 3-5 minutes
  • Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
  • Cook until pasta reaches desired doneness (al dente)
  • Sauce should thicken to creamy consistency
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
  • Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired
  • Step 8: Add Cheese and Serve
  • Remove pan from heat
  • Immediately sprinkle grated cheese over top
  • Use Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheese of choice
  • Let sit for 1 minute to allow cheese to melt slightly
  • Serve directly from pan for family-style presentation
  • Garnish with fresh basil if desired