Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Introduction
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together rich flavors and nutritious ingredients. This pasta is quick and easy to make, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. With a creamy tomato sauce and fresh spinach, every bite is satisfying and full of flavor.
Why Make This Recipe
You should make this Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta because it is simple to prepare and uses common ingredients. It’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal that is both filling and healthy. The creaminess of the sauce paired with the freshness of spinach makes it a delightful dish that everyone will love. Plus, it can be on your table in under 30 minutes!
How to Make Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Making Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is straightforward. Follow the step-by-step directions below, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb penne pasta
- 1 yellow onion (small dice)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 4 oz fresh spinach
Directions:
- Gather and prepare all ingredients.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and boil until tender (about 7-10 minutes). Drain the pasta in a colander.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the creamy tomato sauce. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. In a large skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and olive oil over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and freshly cracked pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine. Then add the tomato paste and a 1/2 cup of water. Stir until the tomato paste is mixed into the sauce.
- Turn the heat down to low. Cut the cream cheese into a few pieces and add them to the skillet. Use a whisk to stir the sauce until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts.
- Add the fresh spinach and gently stir it into the sauce until it wilts (about 2-3 minutes). Add the cooked pasta and stir until it is well coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm.
How to Serve Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Serve the Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
- You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper.
- If you don’t have penne pasta, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand.
Variation
You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Additionally, to make it vegan, substitute the cream cheese and Parmesan with your favorite plant-based alternatives.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just make sure to peel and chop them before adding.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can use sour cream or a dairy-free cream cheese for a different flavor.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare everything and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the pasta and add the spinach right before serving for the best texture.
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 lb penne pasta
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (1 can) with juices
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/8 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 oz cream cheese cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 4 oz fresh spinach
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather and prepare all ingredients.
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta and boil until tender (about 7-10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta in a colander.
Making the Sauce
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and olive oil over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and freshly cracked pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Add the tomato paste and a 1/2 cup of water. Stir until the tomato paste is mixed into the sauce.
- Turn the heat down to low. Cut the cream cheese into a few pieces and add them to the skillet.
- Use a whisk to stir the sauce until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts.
- Add the fresh spinach and gently stir it into the sauce until it wilts (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the cooked pasta and stir until it is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
