This Tomato Spinach Pasta is a colorful and tasty dish! Cooked pasta is combined with fresh spinach and juicy tomatoes, making every bite healthy and fun.
What I love about this dish is how quick it is to prepare. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a yummy meal ready. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This shape is great for holding onto the sauce, but you could swap it for fusilli or farfalle. Gluten-free pasta also works if you need a gluten-free option.
Cherry Tomatoes: These are sweet and juicy, perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find them, grape tomatoes or other tomatoes (diced) can work, though you’ll need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Fresh Spinach: If you’re out of spinach, kale is a nice alternative. Just make sure to remove the tough stems and chop it a bit for easier eating.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Cream cheese can also work for a richer flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent substitutes. Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Perfectly Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Garlic adds amazing flavor, but it burns easily. To sauté it perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Heat your skillet to medium, not high, to give you more control.
- Add the garlic after the oil is hot, but watch closely. Stir it constantly for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant.
- If your garlic starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat immediately.
- Always have your other ingredients ready to add after the garlic, so you can keep the cooking process moving.
How to Make Tomato Spinach Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or basil (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Tomato Spinach Pasta recipe takes about 20 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and 10 minutes for cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). After it’s cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté it for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes to your skillet. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and even burst, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This will create a lovely sauce base!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Once the tomatoes are ready, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs (if using), crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Add the Spinach:
Now it’s time to add in the fresh spinach leaves. Stir them into the sauce and cook for about 2 minutes until they are wilted and bright green.
6. Combine Pasta with Sauce:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the delicious sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to make sure each piece of pasta is coated with that creamy tomato spinach goodness. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your Tomato Spinach Pasta hot! If you’d like, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful finish. Enjoy every bite of this creamy and flavorful dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you like, such as fusilli, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream for a creamy texture. For the cheese, you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
What Can I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
If fresh spinach isn’t available, you can use frozen spinach instead. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the sauce. About 1 cup of frozen spinach should work fine.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Tomato Spinach Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce, or microwave it until heated through.
