This Tomato Spinach Pasta is a quick and tasty dish! It’s packed with juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, and perfect pasta. Plus, it’s ready in no time—ideal for busy nights!
Cooking this pasta feels like a breeze! Just toss everything in one pot, and you’ll have dinner in a flash. I love adding some cheese on top for extra yum! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This recipe calls for penne, but feel free to swap in any pasta you prefer—like fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on cooking times since they may vary.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my favorite for flavor. However, you can use canola or avocado oil if you’re out of olive oil. Both work fine for sautéing.
Garlic: Fresh garlic really adds flavor! If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder—about 1/4 tsp of powder equals one clove. But fresh is best!
Diced Tomatoes: The canned variety is great for convenience. You can use fresh tomatoes (about 4 medium) or crushed tomatoes if you like a smoother sauce. Just adjust the simmering time as needed.
Spinach: Fresh spinach really shines here, but you can also use kale or even frozen spinach (just thaw and drain it first!).
Heavy Cream: If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or even unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) can work. You might miss a bit of creaminess, though, so just add more cheese if needed!
How Do I Properly Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Garlic is fantastic for adding flavor, but it can burn quickly and turn bitter. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Always sauté garlic on medium heat. Too high, and it will burn!
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and stir constantly for only about 30 seconds to 1 minute. You’re looking for it to become fragrant—not brown.
- If it does start to brown fast, quickly lower the heat or add a touch of your diced tomatoes to cool everything down.
By taking care with the garlic, you’ll ensure that the dish shines with great flavor! Enjoy your cooking.
How to Make Tomato Spinach Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Tomato Spinach Pasta takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. That includes cooking the pasta, sautéing the sauce, and tossing everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s rolling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. When it’s ready, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently so it doesn’t burn. You want it to be fragrant and slightly golden but not browned.
3. Make the Sauce:
Pour the can of diced tomatoes (including their juices) into the skillet. Add the dried Italian seasoning and stir everything together. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This will create a flavorful base!
4. Add the Spinach:
Next, add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until the spinach wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine Everything:
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Allow the mixture to warm through. Once it’s heated, add the cooked penne pasta and gently toss everything in the sauce until the pasta is well-coated.
6. Finish the Dish:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines nicely. Taste the pasta and season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes according to your preference.
7. Serve:
Dish out the pasta onto plates or into bowls, and top with fresh basil leaves for a lovely garnish. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, flavorful Tomato Spinach Pasta!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and nutrition, and gluten-free pasta can work just as well. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as cooking times may vary.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, do so on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen up the sauce if it thickens.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative, such as coconut milk or cashew cream. Just keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess might vary slightly.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Sauté them along with the garlic for a delicious twist and added nutrients.