One-Pot Cheesy Spinach and Tomato Penne
A creamy, cheesy penne pasta cooked in one pot with fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes, perfect for a quick and kid-approved dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large deep skillet or pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz penne pasta, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 3 cups fresh baby spinach, 3 cups vegetable broth, and 1 cup half-and-half. Stir to combine.
- Step 3: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cheesy Spinach and Tomato Penne take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Cheesy Spinach and Tomato Penne?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cheesy Spinach and Tomato Penne?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Cheesy Spinach and Tomato Penne for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pot Cheesy Spinach and Tomato Penne vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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