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To make Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta, gather the following items: - 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine work well) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (no salt added) - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option - 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat) You can easily swap some ingredients to suit your taste or needs: - Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option. - Olive oil: Coconut oil adds a different flavor. - Heavy cream: Use almond milk for a lighter sauce. - Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy taste without dairy. This recipe can fit different diets. - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make it safe for those with gluten issues. - Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Feel free to customize this recipe to fit your dietary needs while keeping it tasty! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of your favorite pasta. I love penne or fettuccine for this dish. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, save half a cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, take a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells great. Be careful not to burn it! Then, stir in a can of diced tomatoes, including the juice. Let the mixture cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken a bit. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. This makes the sauce rich and creamy. Stir well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Now, add 4 cups of roughly chopped spinach to the sauce. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, mix the cooked pasta into the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water little by little until it reaches your preferred creaminess. Once combined, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a vegan option, use nutritional yeast instead. Mix until the cheese melts into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it right away with an extra sprinkle of cheese or nutritional yeast, and a dash of red pepper flakes if you like some heat! Enjoy! To get a super creamy sauce, use heavy cream or coconut cream. Both add rich flavor. When you add the cream, make sure to stir well. Let it simmer gently. This helps blend the flavors. If the sauce gets too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water. This will bring it back to a nice, creamy texture. I love using penne or fettuccine for this dish. Both types hold sauce well. Penne has a nice bite, while fettuccine offers a smooth, silky feel. You can try other shapes too! Just remember to cook it al dente. This keeps your pasta firm and tasty. Garlic adds a wonderful flavor. Mince it finely for the best results. When you heat it in olive oil, do it over medium heat. Sauté for just one minute. Watch it closely, so it doesn’t burn. Burnt garlic can taste bitter. If you want more garlic flavor, add a bit more when you mix in the sauce. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality tomatoes will enhance the flavor of your pasta dish significantly. Opt for seasonal produce whenever possible. Customize the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, use half the amount of cream and add more pasta water. For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of cream and cream cheese. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. This prevents it from becoming mushy. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs, such as thyme or a splash of balsamic vinegar, to give your dish a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to creamy tomato spinach pasta. Grilled chicken works well. Simply slice cooked chicken and mix it in. Shrimp is another great choice. Sauté shrimp in olive oil until pink. Stir them into the pasta just before serving. If you want a vegetarian option, try adding chickpeas or white beans for extra protein. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a nice sweetness. You can also try cashew cream. To make it, soak cashews in water, blend them until smooth, and mix with your sauce. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. Adding herbs and spices can boost flavor. Fresh basil or parsley works great. Toss in a handful right before serving for freshness. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes for some heat. A pinch of smoked paprika adds depth, too. Experiment with flavors to find what you like best! To store leftover creamy tomato spinach pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to eat it later, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pasta on the stove for best results. Add a splash of water or extra cream to keep it creamy. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl and heat in short bursts. Stir between intervals to heat evenly. If you want to freeze this dish, use a freezer-safe container. It can stay good for up to three months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then use the stove or microwave to warm it up. This way, you can enjoy your creamy tomato spinach pasta anytime! Yes, you can add other veggies. Try mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. These options add great flavor and texture. Just chop them small and add them when you cook the garlic. Cook until they are soft. To lighten this dish, use less cream. You can swap heavy cream for low-fat milk or a plant-based milk. Another tip is to add more spinach and less pasta. This will keep it filling while cutting calories. This pasta pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works best. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a tasty side. For a protein boost, grilled chicken or shrimp is great too. This blog post covered everything you need for a creamy tomato spinach pasta. We discussed ingredients, substitutions, and dietary notes. I shared step-by-step instructions and tips to make your sauce creamy. You learned about add-ins and flavor enhancements too. In summary, this dish is versatile and can fit many diets. Enjoy experimenting with ingredients and flavors. You can make it your own, and it's sure to impress!

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with tomatoes and spinach, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14 oz diced tomatoes (no salt added)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
  • optional crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the mixture to simmer and reduce slightly.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  • Add the chopped spinach, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts down (about 2-3 minutes).
  • Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess.
  • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. If you're using nutritional yeast, add that alternatively for a cheesy flavor. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or nutritional yeast and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
Keyword creamy, pasta, spinach, tomato