Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
This creamy tomato and spinach pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender penne pasta with a rich tomato sauce, fresh spinach, and a hint of creaminess. It’s easy to make and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1/2 lb. Penne Pasta
1 Yellow Onion, diced
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 15oz. can Diced Tomatoes
1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
1/2 tsp Dried Basil
1 pinch Crushed Red Pepper (optional)
1/2 tsp Salt
Shrimp
Freshly Cracked Black Pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp Tomato Paste
2 oz. Cream Cheese
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan
4 oz. Fresh Spinach
Instructions
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and continue to boil until tender (7-10 minutes). Drain the pasta in a colander.
Prepare Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add the onion, garlic, and olive oil to a large skillet and sauté over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent (3-5 minutes).
Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper (if using), salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine. Add the tomato paste and a 1/2 cup of water to the skillet and stir until the tomato paste has mixed into the sauce.
Make Sauce Creamy: Turn the heat down to low. Cut the cream cheese into a few pieces and add them to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Use a whisk to stir the sauce until the cream cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Add the grated Parmesan to the skillet and stir until it is melted into the sauce.
Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and gently stir it into the sauce until it has wilted (2-3 minutes).
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until it is well coated in the creamy tomato sauce. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Pasta Choice: Feel free to use other pasta shapes, such as fusilli or rigatoni.
Creaminess: Adjust the amount of cream cheese for desired creaminess.
Extras: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for additional protein.