Name: Creamy One Pot Pasta with Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 1/3 cup (35 grams) Shallot, finely chopped; 1 1/2 tablespoons Fresh Garlic, minced (about 3 plump cloves); 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste; 28 ounces (794 grams) San Marzano Style Tomatoes, canned whole peeled; 1 3/4 cups (385 grams) Water; 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes; 1 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt; 8 ounces (230 grams) Penne Pasta; 2/3 cup (5 ounces / 140 grams) Mascarpone Cheese; 5 cups (5 ounces / 140 grams) Fresh Spinach, lightly packed, large leaves chopped; Parmesan Cheese, for garnish; Fresh Basil, torn for garnish; Ground Black Pepper, for garnish; Additional Red Pepper Flakes, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 4 reviews

There is something undeniably comforting about a pasta dish that comes together quickly, tastes rich, and requires minimal cleanup. That’s exactly what you get with this Creamy One Pot Pasta with Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of silky mascarpone cheese combined with bright, savory tomato sauce, all hugging perfectly cooked penne pasta. Fresh spinach sneaks in a healthy pop of color and nutrition, making this recipe a favorite for busy weeknights or anytime you crave that creamy, soul-warming goodness with a vegetarian twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a black cooking pot with white handles, there is one layer of cooked small red and orange pieces of vegetables mixed with oil, scattered unevenly in the bottom center and left side. On top of this layer, there is a sprinkle of dry herbs and spices, light brown and green in color, spread especially in the center. The pot rests on a black striped cloth, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable pasta. Each item is simple and helps build layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this dish irresistible.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and a subtle fruity note, helping sauté the shallots and garlic to perfection.
Shallot: Finely chopped for a mild, sweet onion flavor that mellows beautifully when cooked.
Fresh Garlic: Minced to infuse that classic aromatic kick into the sauce base.
Tomato Paste: Provides concentrated tomato flavor and helps deepen the sauce’s color and richness.
San Marzano Style Tomatoes: Whole peeled tomatoes bring natural sweetness and acidity crucial for a balanced sauce.
Water: Used for cooking the pasta and thinning the sauce just right for creaminess without heaviness.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives that signature Italian flair in every bite.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle warmth to round out the flavors without overpowering.
Fine Sea Salt: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the ingredients’ natural goodness.
Penne Pasta: The perfect shape to catch and hold onto all that luscious sauce.
Mascarpone Cheese: The star of the dish, bringing creamy silkiness and a hint of sweetness that transforms the sauce.
Fresh Spinach: Adds freshness, color, and an earthy touch as it wilts into the warm sauce.

How to Make Creamy One Pot Pasta with Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming the olive oil in a spacious sauté pan or Dutch oven until it shimmers invitingly. Turn the heat to medium-low and add the finely chopped shallots and minced garlic. Let them cook gently for 6 to 7 minutes until the shallots soften and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma, turning slightly golden. This step lays the flavorful foundation for your creamy sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes

While the aromatics are cooking, grab your canned whole peeled tomatoes. Pour them into a bowl and break them down into smaller bits by gently squeezing with your hands or using a potato masher. This ensures the tomatoes will blend beautifully into the sauce, creating a luscious texture without any large chunks.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Stir the tomato paste into the softened shallots and garlic, mashing and stirring frequently for about 3 minutes until the paste darkens slightly—a sign that its flavor is intensifying. Next, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and fine sea salt. Combine everything well to awaken the herbs and spices, giving your sauce that irresistible savory depth.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes, Water, and Pasta

Pour the crushed tomatoes and water into the pot, then crank the heat to bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and immediately lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir often to prevent sticking as the pasta cooks al dente, which usually takes about 11 to 14 minutes. The mixture will appear quite soupy at this stage, but rest assured, it will thicken into a creamy marvel soon.

Step 5: Stir in Mascarpone and Spinach

Remove the pot from heat to fold in the mascarpone cheese, stirring gently until it melts completely into the sauce, creating that signature creamy texture. Return the pot to a low flame and progressively add the fresh spinach, handful by handful, stirring until each batch wilts down beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this is your moment to perfect the balance of flavors.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serve

Spoon the creamy, dreamy pasta into bowls and prepare for the finishing flourishes that bring this dish to life. Whether it’s a shower of freshly grated Parmesan, a scatter of torn basil leaves, or a twist of cracked black pepper, these garnishes elevate the experience and make every bite pure magic.

How to Serve Creamy One Pot Pasta with Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce Recipe

A dark bowl filled with penne pasta covered in a thick orange-red sauce, mixed with fresh green spinach leaves. On top, there is a sprinkling of grated cheese and chili flakes. A piece of crusty white bread rests inside the bowl on the right side, next to an old-fashioned silver fork. Around the bowl, there are fresh green basil leaves on a white marbled surface, with a small white bowl of grated cheese and a black bowl holding peeled garlic cloves near the top. A striped cloth is placed on the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling fresh grated Parmesan cheese over the top adds a salty, nutty kick that complements the mascarpone’s sweetness perfectly. Torn fresh basil leaves bring vibrant herbal notes, while a grind of black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes introduce subtle heat and complexity. These finishing touches make the dish feel extra special every time.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines on its own but pairing it with a crisp vegetarian kale Caesar salad creates a wonderful harmony of creamy, fresh, and crunchy textures. Light garlic bread or a crusty baguette also work beautifully to scoop up any lingering sauce, making the meal even more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner, serve this pasta straight from the pot into rustic bowls, inviting everyone to dig in family-style. If you want to impress guests, plate the pasta elegantly by twirling the penne into a neat mound and drizzling a little extra olive oil on top, then garnish thoughtfully. Creating mini pasta portions in petite ramekins for individual servings also adds a charming personal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have some of this delicious Creamy One Pot Pasta with Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce Recipe left over, storing it properly is key. Transfer the pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Because the spinach and mascarpone meld so well, reheating gently on the stove preserves the creamy texture best.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta dish, but keep in mind that the penne tends to soften a bit with freezing and thawing. If you don’t mind slightly less pasta firmness, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy it at its best.

Reheating

For reheating, avoid the microwave if possible as it can make the sauce separate. Instead, warm the pasta gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This method keeps the creamy mascarpone consistency intact and prevents overcooking the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for catching the sauce, you can swap in fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just keep an eye on cooking times since different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments.

Is mascarpone cheese essential, or can I substitute it?

Mascarpone is key for that uniquely silky creaminess and subtle sweetness. If unavailable, cream cheese can work in a pinch, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite the same. For a lighter option, mixing ricotta with a bit of cream can mimic mascarpone’s richness.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

To veganize, use a plant-based cream cheese substitute or cashew cream in place of mascarpone and skip the Parmesan garnish or use a vegan alternative. The tomato sauce and pasta remain vegetarian-friendly without modifications.

How spicy is the red pepper flakes addition?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth that enhances the sauce without making it spicy-hot. You can adjust the quantity or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.

What’s the best way to make the sauce thicker if it’s too runny?

If the sauce feels too soupy after cooking, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid before adding mascarpone. Alternatively, adding a small amount of grated Parmesan can help thicken and enrich the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy One Pot Pasta with Tomato and Mascarpone Sauce Recipe strikes a beautiful balance between easy preparation and decadent flavor. It’s a dish you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation, whether for a cozy night in or impressing friends with minimal effort. I promise once you try it, it will quickly become your go-to comfort meal that feels special every single time.