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Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

This creamy tomato and spinach pasta is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal made with simple, fresh ingredients. Combining tender penne pasta with a rich tomato-based cream sauce and nutritious spinach, this dish is both comforting and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • ½ lb penne pasta

Sauce

  • 1 yellow onion, small diced (340g, 1.5 cups)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbsp)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 14.5 oz. canned diced tomatoes (1 can)
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ⅛ tsp crushed red pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (30g)
  • 4 oz fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic carefully to have everything ready for cooking.
  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook until tender, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are soft and translucent, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes with juices, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
  5. Incorporate Tomato Paste and Water: Add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and ½ cup of water to the skillet. Stir until the tomato paste is fully blended into the sauce.
  6. Melt Cream Cheese and Add Parmesan: Lower the heat to low. Cut the cream cheese into pieces and add to the skillet. Using a whisk, stir until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until incorporated thoroughly.
  7. Wilt Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and gently stir for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and blended into the creamy tomato sauce.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly. Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper to your liking.
  • Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter herb flavor.
  • Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • This dish reheats well but sauce may thicken; add a splash of water or milk when reheating to loosen it.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/creamy-tomato-and-spinach-pasta-recipe/