Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne

$- Penne pasta: This is the main star of the dish. It holds sauce well. - Olive oil: Use this for sautéing garlic. It adds flavor and richness. - Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a wonderful aroma and taste. - Diced tomatoes: These provide acidity and sweetness. Canned is easy. - Heavy cream: This makes the sauce creamy and smooth. - Fresh spinach: Adds color and nutrients. It wilts down nicely. - Italian seasoning: This blend enhances the dish’s flavor profile. - Parmesan cheese: Grated cheese adds saltiness and depth. - Fresh basil: This is for garnish. It brightens the dish. - Ounces to cups: 8 ounces of penne is about 2 cups. - Fresh versus canned ingredients: Fresh tomatoes can replace canned. Use about 2 cups if fresh. - Best pasta options: Barilla and De Cecco make great penne pasta. - Quality canned tomatoes: San Marzano or Muir Glen are top picks. - Recommended Parmesan cheese brands: Look for Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take a large pot and fill it with water. Add a good pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add 8 ounces of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 11 to 13 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm yet tender. To check, taste a piece a minute before the time is up. If it has a slight bite, it's ready. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, grab the same pot and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want to watch it closely. You need the garlic to be fragrant but not brown. If it burns, it will taste bitter. Now it's time to create the sauce. Add the drained diced tomatoes and 1 cup of heavy cream to the pot. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir it often to help the sauce thicken. Consistent stirring keeps the sauce smooth and prevents it from sticking to the pot. Once it thickens, add in 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. To adjust creaminess levels, you can change the amount of heavy cream. If you want it richer, add more cream. For a lighter sauce, use less. Fresh herbs can add great flavor. Try adding chopped basil or parsley right before serving. This gives your dish a fresh taste that brightens every bite. To avoid watery pasta, make sure to drain it well. After cooking, do not rinse the penne. This keeps the starch, helping the sauce stick better. When cooking spinach, add it last to the sauce. This way, it wilts but stays vibrant and fresh. Overcooking can make it lose its nice color and taste. For great pairings, serve this dish with a side salad or crusty bread. A simple green salad works well to balance the flavors. For plating, use a large bowl or plate. Add the penne and garnish with fresh basil. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top also adds a nice touch. This makes the dish look appetizing and fancy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality canned tomatoes enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth or milk. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To avoid mushy pasta, make sure to cook the penne just al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce. Garnish Wisely: Fresh basil not only adds color but also a burst of flavor; consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. {{image_2}} You can change up the pasta if you want. Try using whole grain or gluten-free penne. These swaps keep the dish tasty while adding extra nutrition. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or cashew cream. Both add a nice richness without the dairy. Want to make it heartier? Add cooked chicken or shrimp. These proteins pair well with the creamy sauce. You can also toss in seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. They add color and flavor to your dish. Spice up your meal with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. This will give it a nice kick! For a twist on the cheese, try using feta or goat cheese. These options create a new taste experience, making your dish even better. To store your creamy tomato spinach penne, let it cool first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh and tasty. It can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it! Use a freezer-safe container to store the dish. Make sure to leave some space for the sauce to expand. It can last for about 2 months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Leftovers can be fun! You can turn them into a pasta bake. Just layer the penne with some extra cheese and bake until bubbly. You can also mix it with scrambled eggs for a tasty breakfast. When reheating, add a splash of cream or tomato juice. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh. Yes, you can use whole grain pasta. Whole grain pasta has more fiber than regular pasta. This means it can help you feel full longer. It also adds a nutty flavor to your dish. Whole grain pasta takes a bit longer to cook, so check the package for timing. If you want a lighter option, try using half-and-half or milk. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. Silken tofu blended with a little water can make a nice creamy texture, too. All these options can reduce calories while keeping the sauce rich. To make this recipe vegetarian, simply ensure all your ingredients are plant-based. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, if needed. Check that your Parmesan cheese is made without animal rennet. You can add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor. You now have a clear path to create a delicious dish. We explored the main ingredients and their qualities. I shared step-by-step cooking methods to ensure perfect results. Tips and tricks helped you avoid common mistakes when cooking. Consider variations to customize your meal and make it your own. Remember the storage tips to keep leftovers fresh and tasty. With this guide, you can cook with confidence, impress your family, and enjoy every bite. Happy cooking!$

Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring penne, tomatoes, and fresh spinach.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
14 ounces diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh spinach, packed
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
Stir in the cooked penne and Parmesan cheese until everything is well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Plate the creamy tomato spinach penne, garnishing with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword creamy, pasta, spinach, tomato