If you’re looking for a meal that is bursting with fresh flavors, quick to make, and requires minimal cleanup, you’ve just found your new favorite: the One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe. Imagine perfectly cooked spaghetti swimming in a light, flavorful sauce made right in one pan, studded with sweet cherry tomatoes, tender spinach, and finished off with a generous sprinkle of savory Parmesan. It’s an Italian-inspired dish that feels homemade and comforting, yet elegant enough to serve any night of the week. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your dinner routine will never be the same.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe is made using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one adds its own unique touch, from the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes to the rich creaminess of Parmesan, creating a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine: Long pasta shapes work best for even cooking and easy stirring.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved: They add a sweet, tangy pop and vibrant color to the sauce.
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced: Infuses the pasta with aromatic warmth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Creates a lovely base to sauté the aromatics and carry flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle heat to awaken the palate.
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water: The cooking liquid that transforms into a delicious sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle spicy note.
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional): Brings a fresh, leafy green touch and nutrients.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that irresistible savory finish.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a fragrant, herbal brightness on top.
How to Make One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in Your Pan
Start by grabbing a large, deep skillet or sauté pan—this will be your cooking magic tool for this one pan wonder. Into the pan, add the uncooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced onion, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes if you love a little kick, vegetable broth or water, salt, and black pepper. The beauty is that you are starting everything together—this is what makes this recipe so easy and perfectly balanced.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil and Reduce to Simmer
Place the pan over high heat and bring everything to a lively boil. This is when the pasta begins to soak up the flavors, the tomatoes start to soften, and the liquid will gradually cook down into a delicious sauce. After it boils, reduce the heat to medium. Now, the secret is to stir frequently using tongs, ensuring the pasta cooks evenly without sticking. Keep this up for about 9 to 11 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 3: Add Spinach for the Final Touch
Two minutes before the pasta finishes cooking, toss in the baby spinach (if using). Stir it gently until it wilts and melds into the sauce, adding a lovely burst of green and nutritious goodness. This final step is what elevates the dish with a fresh vegetable boost that balances the richness of Parmesan and olive oil.
Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Let it Rest
Once the spinach is perfectly wilted, remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts quickly, thickening the sauce and bringing that signature savory flavor that rounds out the entire dish. Allow the pasta to sit for a minute so the sauce can thicken up just a bit more before serving.
How to Serve One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
The final touch that will make your One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe a showstopper is garnish. Fresh basil leaves scattered on top add an herbaceous and aromatic lift that pairs perfectly with the creamy Parmesan. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also add brightness and more complexity to each bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, think about crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce. Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp can also be served alongside for extra protein, especially if you’re feeding a hungrier crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in the skillet you cooked it in—nothing beats the casual vibrance of passing the pan around the table. For a more elegant presentation, plate the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish individually with basil and Parmesan. You could even sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts over the top for a nice crunch and extra flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe (which is rare!), place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days and the flavors often intensify as the pasta chills.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a suitable container for up to a month. When freezing, leave out the Parmesan cheese and add it freshly when reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your pasta gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce seems thick, stir in a little splash of water or broth to loosen it up and restore that silky consistency. Add fresh Parmesan after reheating for a fresh burst of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Although long, thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine works best for even cooking in this One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe, you can experiment with penne or fusilli. Just keep an eye on cooking times as textures vary.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian. To keep it vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your Parmesan is vegetarian-friendly, as some cheeses include animal rennet.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free version. Just be sure to adjust cooking times because gluten-free pasta can cook differently.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
For sure! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even mushrooms make great additions. Add cooked protein on top or stir them in at the end for a satisfying, protein-packed meal.
Why does the pasta cook in the sauce instead of boiling in water?
Cooking pasta directly in the sauce with broth allows it to absorb more flavor, while the liquid reduces to create a rich, cohesive sauce. This method also saves time and cleaning, which is why the One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe is such a popular, efficient weeknight dinner.
Final Thoughts
This One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe is the perfect example of how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can come together to make something incredibly delicious and comforting. It’s my go-to when I want a fuss-free dinner that still feels special. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it part of your own kitchen favorites!
Print
One Pan Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One Pan Pasta recipe offers a quick and easy way to cook delicious spaghetti or linguine with fresh cherry tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese all in one skillet. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this flavorful Italian-inspired dish requires minimal cleanup and delivers a satisfying meal with vibrant flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, add the uncooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced onion, sliced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes if using, vegetable broth or water, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly to prepare for cooking.
- Bring to Boil and Simmer: Place the skillet over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Let it cook for 9 to 11 minutes, stirring frequently with tongs to prevent sticking. The pasta should become al dente and the liquid will reduce, forming a light sauce.
- Add Spinach: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the baby spinach if using. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts, incorporating its flavor into the pasta.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the pasta to sit for a minute so the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve the pasta warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for additional protein.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
- This one-pan method works best with long, thin pasta shapes like linguine or spaghetti.
