Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta, a quick and easy dinner that combines the richness of a velvety tomato-cream sauce with the wholesome goodness of fresh spinach. Perfectly cooked pasta, like penne or fettuccine, is tossed in a luscious blend of crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan, creating a balanced dish packed with flavor. A hint of garlic and optional red pepper flakes adds depth and a gentle kick, while fresh basil leaves make for an elegant garnish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is a weeknight hero that’s also worthy of special occasions. With its creamy texture and vibrant ingredients, this pasta is sure to satisfy every craving for a hearty, vegetarian Italian-inspired meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 15 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
• 0.75 cup Heavy cream
• 5 oz Fresh baby spinach
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp Fresh basil leaves (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining and set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant. If using, add the crushed red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 3

Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined.

Step 5

Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir occasionally to incorporate the spinach into the sauce.

Step 6

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 9

Serve the creamy tomato and spinach pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1173.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1706.6

Total Fat 104.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 49.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 220mg	0%
Sodium 3751.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 139.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.9g	0%
Total Sugars 22.0g
Protein 46.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 735.0mg	0%
Iron 9.6mg	0%
Potassium 2427.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.9%

Protein: 11.0%

Carbs: 33.2%