Let’s be honest — some nights, you just don’t have it in you to juggle a dozen pans or wait an hour for dinner to come together. That’s exactly why I love this One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta. It’s hearty, creamy, and ridiculously easy — like “throw everything in one pot and call it a day” easy. This dish became a lifesaver during my busiest mom-of-three weeknights, when homework, soccer practice, and bedtime all collide at once. The best part? No draining, no extra cleanup, and all the cheesy goodness you could dream of.
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Why You’ll Love This One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta
- It’s a complete meal in one pot — fewer dishes, less chaos.
- Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
- Creamy, cheesy, and totally kid-approved.
- Easily customizable — add ground turkey, spinach, or mushrooms.
- Tastes even better the next day (if it lasts that long).
What Does One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta Taste Like?
Imagine your favorite Italian comfort food — marinara simmered with garlic, onion, and herbs — hugging every piece of tender penne. Then melt in two kinds of cheese until it’s creamy and gooey enough to make your fork twirl in slow motion. It’s like lasagna and mac-and-cheese had the most delicious love child.
Ingredients You’ll Need for One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta
- 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 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ lb ground turkey or lean beef (cook with the onion)
- A handful of baby spinach for extra greens
- A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick
How to Make One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta
Making One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta couldn’t be easier — or tastier. The best part is that everything cooks together in one pot, meaning fewer dishes and maximum flavor. Below, I’ll walk you through each step so you can have a creamy, satisfying dinner on the table in under 40 minutes.
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic for a Flavorful Base
Start with a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven. (I swear by my enameled Dutch oven — it distributes heat evenly and prevents the pasta from sticking.)
Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat it over medium. Toss in the diced yellow onion, and let it cook for about 4–5 minutes until it turns soft and slightly translucent. This step builds the foundation of flavor — don’t rush it!
Now, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. Garlic burns quickly, so keep it moving. The aroma should be absolutely mouthwatering — that’s your cue that it’s ready.
If you’re adding ground turkey or lean beef, this is the time to brown it. Cook until no pink remains, then drain any excess grease. (I sometimes make a hearty version with ground turkey for extra protein, especially when my kids have soccer practice.)
For another quick weeknight dinner idea that’s packed with cozy flavors, check out my Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup — it’s equally comforting but slow-cooked to perfection.
Step 2: Build the Sauce — The Heart of the Dish
Once your onion and garlic are fragrant, pour in your 24.5 oz jar of marinara sauce. Use a good-quality sauce since it’s the backbone of this One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta. Then add 24 oz of chicken broth (or water) to give the pasta enough liquid to cook.
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and if you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir well, then turn the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
At this point, your kitchen will start to smell like a cozy Italian trattoria — that’s always my favorite moment.
Step 3: Add the Pasta and Let the Magic Happen
Once the sauce is bubbling, pour in 16 oz of penne pasta. Stir well to coat each piece of pasta with the rich, herby tomato mixture.
Now comes the “one pot” magic — no draining, no separate boiling water, no fuss. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the pot with a lid, slightly ajar to let steam escape.
Cook for 18–22 minutes, stirring every few minutes to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid as it cooks, making each bite perfectly saucy.
Pro Tip: If the sauce thickens too quickly before the pasta is done, simply add a splash of extra broth or warm water. Keep an eye on it — your goal is tender pasta and a thick, velvety sauce.
Step 4: Add the Cheese — The Best Part!
When the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the sauce has reduced, it’s time to make it irresistibly cheesy.
Turn off the heat, and stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until everything melts together into a creamy, gooey sauce that coats every piece of penne.
If you love a dramatic cheese pull (who doesn’t?), sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top and cover the pot for 2–3 minutes to let it melt from the steam.
This is the moment when your One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta transforms from a simple weeknight meal into a total comfort food masterpiece.
Step 5: Serve It Up and Enjoy!
Once everything’s melted and creamy, give your pasta a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed — a pinch of salt or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan never hurts.
Scoop generous portions into bowls, and if you’re feeling fancy, top with fresh basil or parsley. I like to serve it with a simple side salad or warm garlic bread to soak up that dreamy sauce.
And just like that, dinner is ready — minimal mess, maximum satisfaction.
Bonus Tip for Meal Preppers:
This One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or milk to bring back its creamy texture.
You can also freeze it for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop — it tastes just as delicious as the day you made it.
If you’re a fan of comforting, easy dinners like this, you’ll also love my Creamy Beef Taco Soup — another family favorite that saves time without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thought:
Cooking One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta isn’t just about getting dinner on the table fast — it’s about creating a meal that feels warm, homey, and satisfying after a long day. Every bite is rich with cheesy goodness and the kind of flavor that brings everyone running to the kitchen before you even call them.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta
- Stir frequently — this helps the pasta cook evenly and keeps it from sticking.
- Don’t skip the simmer — low and slow is key to tender pasta and thick sauce.
- Love extra cheese? Add more mozzarella when serving (no judgment here).
- Make it meaty: Brown ground turkey or beef with the onion before adding liquids.
- Storage tip: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.
Storage for One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta
This pasta reheats beautifully! Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For a make-ahead option, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to revive the creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely. Just check for doneness earlier since gluten-free pasta cooks faster.
Can I add veggies?
Yes! Zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach all blend perfectly in this dish.
Can I use another cheese?
Sure thing — try cheddar, provolone, or even a sprinkle of ricotta for creamier texture.
Conclusion
This One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta is proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated to taste amazing. One pot, simple ingredients, and 35 minutes to comfort-food bliss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this pasta will fill your kitchen with the kind of smell that calls everyone to the table — no reminders needed.
So go ahead, grab your pot and your favorite spoon. Dinner is practically cooking itself tonight.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
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One Pot Cheesy Penne Pasta – Easy, Creamy & Crowd-Pleasing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy One Pot Pasta changes the game for one-pot meals! It’s incredibly easy to make – no draining of the pasta needed – and it’s loaded with cheese, marinara and perfectly cooked penne pasta!
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 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. In a Dutch oven or large heavy-bottom pot, add olive oil and onion. Sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 more seconds.
3. Add marinara sauce, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
4. Pour in the pasta, stir well, and reduce heat to simmer. Stir often to keep pasta from sticking.
5. Continue cooking for 20 minutes or until pasta is cooked and sauce is reduced by half.
6. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
How to add ground beef or turkey: Add the ground meat with the onion and cook, breaking it apart, until no pink remains. Drain any excess grease and continue with the recipe.
