Name: Creamy One Pot Pasta with Marinara and Melty Cheeses Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (24.5 oz) jar marinara sauce; 24 oz chicken broth (or water); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 16 oz penne pasta; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Introduction

One Pot Pasta is a simple, flavorful dish that minimizes cleanup without sacrificing taste. Combining pasta, sauce, and cheese in a single pot, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or anyone looking for an easy meal with rich Italian flavors.

A close-up view shows a wooden spoon lifting several pieces of penne pasta covered in melted, stretchy cheese mixed with creamy orange sauce. The pasta tubes are coated evenly, with gooey cheese strings stretching from the pasta back to the pot underneath. The pasta and sauce layers appear thick and rich, with a smooth texture and shiny surface. The spoon is held over a white pot with a blue handle, sitting on a white marbled surface in soft light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24.5 oz) jar marinara sauce
24 oz chicken broth (or water)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
16 oz penne pasta
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and add the Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Add the penne pasta to the pot and make sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Step 4: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes before serving to thicken slightly. Enjoy warm!

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and freshness.
Use different pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni if penne isn’t available.

Storage

Store leftover One Pot Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of cooked penne pasta covered in melted orange cheese, being lifted by a wooden spoon from a white bowl with a blue handle. The pasta is coated in a thick, creamy cheese sauce that stretches in thin strands between the lifted pasta and the bowl below. The penne tubes are clearly visible, with the cheesy sauce clinging to their ridges, giving the dish a rich and gooey texture. The background surface is a white marbled texture, making the colors of the pasta and cheese stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes such as fusilli, rigatoni, or rotini. Cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta texture.

What if I don’t have marinara sauce?

You can use canned crushed tomatoes with a little extra seasoning and a pinch of sugar to balance acidity, or make a quick sauce with tomato paste, garlic, and herbs.

Creamy One Pot Pasta with Marinara and Melty Cheeses Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 144 reviews

This One Pot Pasta recipe is a quick and easy meal that combines tender penne pasta, flavorful marinara sauce, and savory cheeses all cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers comfort and deliciousness with minimal cleanup.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24.5 oz) jar marinara sauce
24 oz chicken broth (or water)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
16 oz penne pasta
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth (or water) into the pot. Stir in the Italian seasoning to evenly distribute the flavors.
Add Pasta: Add the penne pasta to the pot, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid mixture for even cooking.
Cook Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnishing with extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Use chicken broth for richer flavor or water for a lighter option.
Stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Feel free to add cooked vegetables or protein like chicken for a more hearty dish.
To make it vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Keywords: one pot pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta, penne pasta recipe, marinara pasta, cheesy pasta