If you’ve ever wished for a pasta dinner that’s fuss-free, full of fresh flavors, and comes together in one swift, satisfying pan, then you’re in for a treat with this One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender spaghetti mingling with juicy burst-of-sunshine cherry tomatoes, bright green spinach leaves, and the cheesy richness of Parmesan—all cooked together effortlessly to create a luscious, silky sauce. This recipe not only saves you from the mess and stress but delivers a colorful, comforting meal that tastes like it took way more effort than the mere 17 minutes it requires!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, fresh ingredients is all you need to create this vibrant dish. Each ingredient plays a special role: from the juicy tomatoes that add sweetness and pop, to the garlic and onions that build a savory base, and the spinach that brings a lovely green freshness and nutrients. The olive oil and Parmesan finish everything with smooth richness and depth.
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine: Choose your favorite long pasta that cooks evenly in one pan and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced: Provides a gentle savory sweetness as it softens in the cooking liquid.
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Infuses the pasta with warm, aromatic depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Essential for creating a silky sauce and carrying the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle kick for those who like a little heat.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors to life and seasons the pasta perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild, peppery kick to balance the sweetness.
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth: The cooking liquid that transforms into a luscious sauce.
- 2 cups fresh spinach or basil leaves: Adds freshness, vibrant green color, and nutrition.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a lovely nutty, savory creaminess to finish.
- Extra olive oil and lemon juice for finishing (optional): Brighten the dish and add a final touch of flavor.
How to Make One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Pan
Start by tossing the uncooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced onion, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes if you want some heat, salt, and pepper into a large, deep skillet or sauté pan. Then pour in your water or vegetable broth. This combination of raw ingredients looks almost like a magic trick, but trust me, it’s going to turn into something incredible.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil
Place the skillet over high heat and bring everything to a boil. This step kicks off the cooking process where the pasta starts softening and the tomatoes release their juices. Make sure to watch closely because we want to move on to the next step just at the right time.
Step 3: Simmer and Stir Frequently
Reduce the heat to medium and let the pasta cook, stirring frequently with tongs to keep the pasta from sticking and to help everything cook evenly. After about 10 minutes, the pasta should be perfectly al dente and most of the liquid will have evaporated, leaving behind a silky sauce that coats every strand beautifully.
Step 4: Wilt the Greens and Add Cheese
When the pasta is almost done, toss in your fresh spinach or basil leaves during the last two minutes. Stir until the greens wilt just enough to keep their vibrant color and texture. Then remove the pan from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese if you’re using it. This step adds a creamy, indulgent element that ties the dish together.
Step 5: Finish with Olive Oil and Lemon
Before serving, drizzle a little extra olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the pasta. This brightens the flavors and adds a lovely finishing touch that makes each bite pop. Serve immediately, and prepare to be wowed by how easy and delicious this One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe is!
How to Serve One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley works wonders as a garnish, adding a burst of color and aroma. You might also consider a few extra shavings of Parmesan or a dash of chili flakes for those who crave a little heat. These finishing touches elevate the dish beautifully and create a feast for both your eyes and taste buds.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best when accompanied by something light and fresh, like a crisp green salad or a platter of roasted vegetables. A crusty artisan bread or garlic bread is also a fantastic choice, perfect for scooping up any of the leftover sauce. You can even pair it with a simple soup for a truly comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the pasta directly from the skillet at the table to keep that delicious, rustic vibe alive. Alternatively, twirl the pasta onto individual plates for a restaurant-style look and finish each plate with a drizzle of olive oil and tiny basil leaves. Adding edible flowers or microgreens can also create an eye-catching, gourmet touch if you want to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store the leftovers of this One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days, though the pasta does soak up the sauce a bit with time.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for maintaining the original texture, especially with fresh spinach and tomatoes which can get mushy upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best results. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid the microwave if possible, because reheating too quickly might change the texture. Reheating slowly helps preserve the luscious silkiness and rich flavor of the dish.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this one pan method?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine work best because of their even cooking, you can experiment with similar long pasta shapes like fettuccine or tagliatelle. Just keep an eye on the cooking time because thinner or thicker pastas might need slight adjustments.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. Using vegetable broth instead of water will enhance flavor while keeping the dish vegan-friendly and just as delicious.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Definitely! This recipe is a great canvas for adding cooked grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu. Toss in your protein towards the end to warm it through without overcooking it.
What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or even diced plum tomatoes. Keep in mind that larger tomatoes might need to be chopped smaller and could release more juice, slightly changing the sauce’s consistency.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end of cooking. This adds indulgence while keeping the dish quick and easy.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe is pure magic for anyone who loves a comforting meal without the fuss. It’s fresh, flavorful, and flexible enough to become your go-to weeknight dinner or a simple but impressive dish to share with friends. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back for it again and again!
Print
One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pan Pasta Recipe offers a simple, quick, and flavorful Italian-inspired meal that combines pasta, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs cooked all together in a single skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights, it minimizes cleanup while delivering a hearty and satisfying dish, with optional variations to suit vegetarian and vegan diets.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach or basil leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Extra olive oil and lemon juice for finishing (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, place the uncooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper together. Pour in the water or vegetable broth.
- Bring to Boil: Place the skillet over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Cook Pasta: Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently with tongs, for about 10 minutes. Continue until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has mostly evaporated into a silky sauce.
- Add Greens: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add fresh spinach or basil leaves to the pan and toss until wilted.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese if desired for added creaminess and flavor.
- Serve: Optionally drizzle with extra olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the dish. Serve hot immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, olives, or cooked proteins such as grilled chicken or shrimp for added variety.
- For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the end of cooking.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water to deepen the flavor while keeping it vegetarian.
- Omit Parmesan cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly.
- This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.
