Why You’ll Love This Creamy One-Pot Pasta
You know those days when you just want something cozy, creamy, and comforting—but without the chaos of 17 dirty pans in the sink? This Creamy One-Pot Pasta is the answer to your weeknight dinner dreams. It’s rich, satisfying, and loaded with flavor, and best of all—it all comes together in just ONE baking dish.
There’s no boiling pasta separately. No juggling saucepans. Just layer, pour, bake, and devour.
Whether you’re cooking for a partner, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself (as you should), this one-pot wonder will never let you down.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
For 2 generous servings:
- 250g pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work great)
- 150g tomato sauce
- 70g fresh spinach
- 200g mascarpone cheese
- 100g chorizo (optional but highly recommended!)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 400ml boiling water
- 20cl single cream (or sub with any pourable cream you like)
- 35g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Chives, for garnish
For the Magic Marinade:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (regular salted)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 pinch smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
Let’s Make It! 👩🍳
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 190°C / 375°F. Grab a medium baking dish—you don’t need anything fancy, just make sure it’s oven-safe and deep enough to hold all the liquid.
Step 2: Layer It Up
Add your uncooked pasta straight into the dish. Yes, uncooked! That’s the beauty of this recipe. Then toss in chopped onions, fresh spinach, chorizo (if using), and pour over the tomato sauce, cream, and boiling water.
Now swirl in the creamy mascarpone for richness that’s out-of-this-world.
🔑 TIP: Make sure all the pasta is submerged in the liquid before baking. If any is peeking out, it might not cook evenly.
Step 3: Marinade Magic
In a small bowl, mix together your olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic, soy sauce, and the remaining marinade ingredients. Pour this over the pasta mixture to infuse it with bold, balanced flavor.
Step 4: Bake & Stir
Cover loosely with foil or parchment and bake for 25 minutes. Halfway through, give it a gentle stir to redistribute everything and ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Once out of the oven, top with grated Parmesan, sprinkle fresh chives, and give it a final stir for that creamy, glossy finish. Let it sit for 3–5 minutes to thicken up.
Serve straight from the dish—and try not to fight over the last scoop!
Why This Pasta Works
This isn’t just any one-pot pasta—it’s engineered for maximum creaminess, flavor balance, and minimal effort. Here’s why it hits the spot:
- Mascarpone brings dreamy richness without heaviness.
- Tomato sauce adds a gentle tang that balances the cream.
- Spinach sneaks in greens without feeling “healthy.”
- Chorizo adds a smoky, spicy kick.
- Maple + soy + balsamic create an umami-packed marinade that clings to every bite.
It’s the kind of pasta dish that makes you look like you tried way harder than you actually did. We love that for you. 👏
Customization Ideas 🌟
Want to switch it up? Here’s how to make this recipe work with what you’ve got:
- Vegetarian? Skip the chorizo or swap it for roasted chickpeas or sun-dried tomatoes.
- No mascarpone? Use cream cheese or a spoonful of ricotta instead.
- Add-ins: Roasted peppers, mushrooms, or olives would be delicious.
- Spice it up: Add chili flakes or a swirl of hot sauce before baking.
Storing & Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you!
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk or cream and microwave or heat on the stovetop until creamy again.
Pro tip: It tastes even better the next day—hello, flavor development!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never baked your pasta before, this is the recipe to convert you. No draining. No fuss. Just a baking dish full of creamy, savory pasta joy.
So light that oven, pour yourself a glass of wine (or a fizzy water if that’s your vibe), and get cozy with this Creamy One-Pot Pasta. It’s quick. It’s satisfying. And it just might become your new weeknight staple.