Hey y’all! If you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed meal that’s both creamy and fresh, this Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is about to become your go-to dinner. With luscious tomato sauce, velvety cream, and a pop of vibrant spinach, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or anytime you want a satisfying meal. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
- Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich, creamy tomato sauce clings to every bite of pasta.
- Packed with fresh spinach for a nutritious, vibrant twist.
- Easily customizable for vegetarian or protein-packed versions.
- Perfectly balanced flavors for both adults and kids.
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) penne or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz/410g) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup (120ml) tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach (about 3 oz/85g)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-11 minutes).
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce
- Add diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir well.
- Season with basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5-6 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce is creamy and uniform, about 2 minutes.
Step 4: Finish with Spinach and Cheese
- Add baby spinach to the sauce and cook, stirring, until wilted (about 1-2 minutes).
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat with the creamy tomato and spinach sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, 1-2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.
Notes for Perfect Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, but note the sauce will be less thick. Learn more about dairy substitutions at Bon Appétit.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for added nutrition or special dietary needs.
- Reserve pasta water before draining—it’s the best way to thin your sauce without losing flavor!
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu for extra protein.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut milk or a plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan. Check vegan pasta ideas here.
- Spicy Kick: Double the red pepper flakes and top with sliced fresh chilies.
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta Required Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Store Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
- Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate.
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta Serving Recommendations
- Pair with crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Top with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor.
Pro Tips for Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta Success
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the richest flavor—read about tomato types at Serious Eats.
- Don’t overcook the spinach—add just before serving to keep color and nutrients.
- Toss pasta in the sauce for at least 1-2 minutes so it absorbs maximum flavor.
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta FAQ
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
- Yes! Thaw and drain well before adding to the sauce—use about 1 cup cooked spinach.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- It can be—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- How can I make it dairy-free?
- Substitute coconut cream or unsweetened plant-based cream and vegan Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Instructions
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1Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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3Pour in the crushed tomatoes and dried Italian herbs. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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4Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
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5Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy tomato sauce. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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6Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
480cal
Protein:
16 gg
Fat:
18 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
62 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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