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- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fettuccine) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Red pepper flakes for a kick Gather these ingredients before you start. This makes cooking smoother. I love using penne or fettuccine for this dish. Both hold the sauce well. The heavy cream is key for that rich, creamy texture. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. You can use other greens if you prefer, but spinach works best. Don’t skip the garlic! It enhances the dish's flavor. The dried Italian herbs bring warmth and depth. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. If you enjoy heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. You can find the full recipe at the end of this section. Enjoy the process of cooking this simple, yet flavorful dish! Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook it until it's al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite it. Once done, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining it. This water will help adjust the sauce later. While the pasta cooks, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add three cloves of minced garlic and sauté them for about one minute. You want the garlic fragrant but not browned. Then, stir in one can of drained diced tomatoes. Cook this mixture for two to three minutes to let the flavors meld and heat through. Now, pour in one cup of heavy cream and stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and reduce the heat to low. Next, add two cups of roughly chopped spinach and one teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Cook until the spinach wilts, which takes about two to three minutes. Finally, gently fold in the cooked pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Enjoy your creamy tomato spinach pasta! For the full recipe, check the link. To avoid overcooking the pasta, cook it just until al dente. This means it should still have a bit of bite when you chew it. Always check the package for cooking time, and taste it a minute or two before time is up. Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps to thicken your sauce later. To maximize flavor in the sauce, sauté the garlic until just fragrant. Don’t let it brown, as this can make it bitter. Add the tomatoes and let them cook for a few minutes. This helps blend their flavors before adding cream. Stir in the cream slowly, allowing it to heat gently. This keeps the sauce smooth. Pair your creamy tomato spinach pasta with garlic bread. The bread soaks up the sauce nicely. A fresh salad also works well. Try a simple mix of greens with a light vinaigrette. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top. A generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a rich finish. For best results, use a large pot for boiling pasta. A deep skillet or saucepan is ideal for making the sauce. A wooden spoon helps combine everything without scratching your cookware. Have a colander ready to drain the pasta. A good set of measuring spoons will help you keep track of ingredients. With these tips and equipment, your creamy tomato spinach pasta will shine. For the full recipe, you can refer to the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. For a vegetarian version, skip any meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut-based cream. You can also find vegan cheese to sprinkle on top. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices that taste wonderful. Look for options made from rice, corn, or lentils. They cook well and hold the sauce nicely. Want to change it up? Add proteins like chicken or shrimp. Cook them in the olive oil before adding garlic. This gives extra flavor to the dish. Chicken breast works well, while shrimp cooks quickly and adds a lovely taste. You can also explore different herbs and spices. Try adding fresh basil or parsley for a bright flavor. A pinch of smoked paprika can add a nice depth. Experiment with what you have at home to find your favorite blend. This creamy tomato spinach pasta tastes best hot. Serve it right away for the creamiest texture. If you want to serve it cold, let it cool down first. It makes a tasty pasta salad for lunch. For meal prep, make it ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners. You can easily reheat it in the microwave. Just add a splash of water to keep it creamy. For the full recipe, check the link. To store your creamy tomato spinach pasta, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After three days, the taste and texture may change. To freeze this dish, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently to keep the creamy texture. You can reheat this pasta in two ways: in the microwave or on the stovetop. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. For the stovetop, add a splash of water or cream in a pan. Stir it over low heat until warm. This helps keep it creamy and delicious. Yes, you can! This dish works well with many pasta shapes. Some great options are: - Fusilli - Rotini - Bowtie - Spaghetti Each shape will hold the creamy sauce differently, so feel free to explore. If you want a lighter option, use these substitutes: - Milk and butter: Mix ¾ cup of milk with ¼ cup of melted butter. - Half-and-half: This gives a similar richness but with less fat. - Coconut milk: For a dairy-free choice, this option adds a nice flavor. These alternatives may change the taste slightly, but they still work well. Absolutely! To make it more appealing for kids, try these tips: - Add fun shapes of pasta. Kids love the surprise of different shapes. - Mix in some cooked chicken or meatballs for added protein. - Top with extra cheese or a sprinkle of herbs for flavor. - Serve with garlic bread or a side of crunchy veggies. These small steps can make mealtime more exciting for little ones. This blog post shared a simple recipe for pasta with a creamy sauce. We covered key ingredients, from pasta to fresh spinach. You learned step-by-step cooking methods and useful tips to make your dish shine. We explored variations, storage suggestions, and answers to common questions. Cooking can be easy and fun. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Trust your taste, and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy tomato spinach pasta with this quick and easy recipe! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish combines tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a luscious tomato cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a delightful meal everyone will love. Discover how to make it and impress your family with your cooking skills. Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy this tasty treat tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fettuccine works well)

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Optional: Red pepper flakes for a kick

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

      Add Tomatoes: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through.

        Make it Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.

          Incorporate Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the sauce along with the dried Italian herbs. Cook until the spinach is wilted and incorporated, about 2-3 minutes.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy tomato-spinach sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

              Season: Taste and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to your liking.

                Serve: Plate the creamy tomato spinach pasta and generously sprinkle with fresh Parmesan cheese before serving.

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