Go Back
To create a delicious creamy tomato and spinach pasta, you need some key ingredients. Here's a helpful list to guide you: - Pasta options: - 12 oz penne or fettuccine works well - Sauce components: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option) - Seasonings and garnishes: - 4 cups fresh spinach - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish rich and tasty. The pasta will hold the sauce well, while the garlic adds a nice kick. Crushed tomatoes provide a sweet base. Heavy cream enhances the richness, while spinach offers color and nutrients. Seasonings bring everything together, making each bite a flavorful delight. You can find the full recipe to help guide you through the cooking process. 1. Cooking the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once the water bubbles, add 12 oz of your favorite pasta, like penne or fettuccine. Cook it until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. 2. Sautéing Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté them for about 1 minute. You want to smell the garlic's rich aroma, but be careful not to let it burn. 3. Adding Crushed Tomatoes: Now, pour in a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes. Mix in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together nicely. 1. Incorporating Cream: Lower the heat and add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well to combine it with the tomatoes. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. You will notice the sauce thickening slightly. 2. Adding Spinach: Next, fold in 4 cups of fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and blends into the sauce, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This adds a nice pop of color and nutrients. 3. Combining Pasta with Sauce: Finally, add the drained pasta to your skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy tomato and spinach sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This dish is a flavorful delight. If you want the full recipe, check it out in the earlier section. - Cooking pasta al dente: Cook the pasta just until it is firm to the bite. This keeps it from becoming mushy. Follow package timings closely, but check a minute early. Drain it right away to stop cooking. - Avoiding burnt garlic: Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter. Cook it on medium heat for just one minute. Stir often and watch for that lovely golden color. If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat. - Balancing flavors in the sauce: To create a rich tomato flavor, let the crushed tomatoes simmer. This brings out their natural sweetness. Add salt and pepper in small amounts. Taste often to get the right balance. - Cheese options for garnishing: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. If you want a vegan option, use nutritional yeast. Both choices will enhance the dish's flavor. - Pairing with side dishes: A simple green salad goes well with this pasta. Garlic bread is another great choice. Both sides complement the creamy sauce nicely. - Adding protein options: You can add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein. They mix well with the sauce. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or white beans. {{image_2}} You can easily make creamy tomato and spinach pasta vegan. Here are some simple swaps: - Coconut cream instead of heavy cream: This gives a rich, creamy texture. - Nutritional yeast as a cheese alternative: It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. - Gluten-free pasta options: Use rice or corn pasta for a gluten-free meal. These adjustments keep the dish delicious while meeting dietary needs. Want to spice up your creamy tomato and spinach pasta? Here are some ideas: - Additional herbs and spices: Try adding fresh basil or crushed red pepper for extra kick. - Incorporating vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can add color and nutrients. - Protein add-ins: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a heartier meal. These enhancements will elevate your dish and excite your taste buds. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections! To keep your creamy tomato and spinach pasta fresh, store it in airtight containers. This method prevents air exposure, helping the pasta stay tasty longer. In the fridge, it lasts up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing the container. This simple step helps maintain the best texture and flavor. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Start by letting the pasta cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. Label them with the date for easy tracking. It will stay good in the freezer for about two months. When you're ready to enjoy your pasta again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until it’s hot throughout. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to savor anytime. For the full recipe, check out Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta. How to make creamy tomato and spinach pasta from scratch? To make creamy tomato and spinach pasta, follow these steps: 1. Cook your pasta until al dente. 2. Sauté minced garlic in olive oil. 3. Add crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning. 4. Stir in heavy cream and let it thicken. 5. Fold in fresh spinach until it wilts. 6. Combine the pasta with the sauce. 7. Top with cheese and serve. You can find the full recipe above. Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw it first and drain excess water. This saves time but may alter the texture slightly. What is a good wine pairing for this dish? A light red wine, like Pinot Noir, pairs well. It complements the tomato flavor nicely. A crisp white, like Sauvignon Blanc, also works well with creamy sauces. How do I thicken the sauce further? To thicken the sauce, simmer it longer on low heat. You can also add more cream or a bit of grated cheese. Is this dish kid-friendly? Yes, this dish is kid-friendly. The creamy sauce and pasta make it tasty for all ages. Nutritional information per serving Each serving has about 500 calories. It includes healthy fats, carbs, and protein. The dish offers vitamins from spinach and tomatoes too. How to adjust serving sizes for different occasions You can easily adjust the recipe. For a smaller meal, halve the ingredients. To serve more, simply double them. This dish is versatile for any gathering. In this blog post, we explored making creamy tomato and spinach pasta. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and expert tips. You now know how to cook pasta perfectly and balance flavors. We also discussed vegan options and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, this dish is versatile and easy to adjust. Try your favorite add-ins and enjoy! Your perfect pasta dish awaits.

73. Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Indulge in a bowl of creamy tomato and spinach pasta that's perfect for any night of the week! This delicious recipe combines the rich flavors of garlic, crushed tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a luscious cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a quick yet satisfying meal for the whole family. Click through for step-by-step instructions and discover how easy it is to bring this comforting dish to your table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine works well)

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)

4 cups fresh spinach

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

      Add Tomatoes: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet and stir in the Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

        Incorporate Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to mix thoroughly with the tomatoes. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

          Add Spinach: Fold in the fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts and incorporates into the sauce, about 2-3 minutes.

            Combine Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it together with the creamy tomato and spinach sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

              Serve: Remove from heat and plate the pasta. Top generously with grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4