Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
30943 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
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Cuisine
American
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Description
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta starts with cooking penne pasta until tender. Meanwhile, onion and garlic are sautéed until soft, then combined with canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper to build a tomato-based sauce. Adding cream cheese and grated Parmesan enriches the sauce with creaminess and depth.
Fresh spinach is folded into the warm sauce at the end, wilting it slightly and blending its mild flavor with the tangy tomato base. The pasta is then combined with this sauce to be served.
This dish provides a comforting and balanced meal with creamy and tangy notes, along with the green freshness of spinach. It pairs well as a satisfying vegetarian main or side dish and can be served with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. penne pasta $0.75
- 1 yellow onion $0.28
- 2 cloves garlic $0.16
- 1 Tbsp olive oil $0.16
- 1 oz. can diced tomatoes $0.59
- 1/2 tsp oregano $0.05, dried
- 1/2 tsp basil $0.05, dried
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper $0.02, optional
- 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
- black pepper $0.03, freshly cracked, to taste
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste $0.08
- 2 oz. cream cheese $0.20
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese $0.31, grated
- 4 oz. spinach $0.65, fresh
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and continue to boil until tender (7-10 minutes). Drain the pasta in a colander.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy tomato sauce. 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 the diced tomatoes (with juices), oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and some freshly cracked 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.
- Turn the heat down to low. Cut the cream cheese into a few pieces and then 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 Parmesan to the skillet and stir until it is melted into the sauce.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and gently stir it into the sauce until it has wilted (2-3 minutes). Add the pasta and stir until it is well coated in the creamy tomato sauce. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 30943 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 309.43kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 54.15g | 18% |
| Protein | 11.53g | 23% |
| Fat | 5.75g | 9% |
| Sodium | 348.9mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 5.75g | 23% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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