Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines rich, creamy tomato sauce with fresh spinach and perfectly cooked pasta. The velvety sauce, made from ripe tomatoes and cream, coats every strand of pasta, while the spinach adds a burst of color and freshness. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this pasta recipe delivers both flavor and satisfaction in every bite.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make this creamy pasta from scratch, along with some tips and variations to customize it to your tastes.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The creamy tomato sauce is both rich and comforting.
- Healthy Twist: Fresh spinach adds vitamins and a pop of color.
- Customizable: Easy to adjust ingredients to suit your dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and oregano. Stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to incorporate. Continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Add the Spinach
- Stir in the chopped spinach, allowing it to wilt and soften in the sauce. This should only take a minute or two.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the pasta is well-coated in the sauce, remove from heat.
- Serve the creamy tomato and spinach pasta in bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Garnish with extra red pepper flakes for some added spice and fresh basil leaves for a burst of color.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, use more cream. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some crispy bacon for extra protein.
- Fresh Tomatoes Option: If you have fresh tomatoes, dice them and cook them down before adding the cream to create a fresh tomato sauce.
- Vegan Version: For a vegan version, use coconut cream or any plant-based cream and substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Make It Spicy: For a spicy kick, add some fresh chili peppers or a teaspoon of sriracha sauce.
Variations
- Mushroom and Tomato Pasta
Add sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce. - Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of tanginess. - Pesto Creamy Tomato Pasta
Stir in a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto into the creamy sauce for an herby twist. - Baked Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Spinach?
Yes! Frozen spinach works well in this dish. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
What Type of Pasta Works Best?
Any type of pasta will work, but shorter pastas like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are great for holding the creamy sauce.
Conclusion
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is the perfect combination of rich, creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and pasta. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor, yet simple to make. Whether you enjoy it as a light dinner or a filling comfort meal, this pasta will quickly become a favorite. Try it out and indulge in the creamy goodness today!
