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Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is a fast, budget-friendly, 25-minute meal made with penne, a velvety tomato cream sauce, melted Parmesan, and tender spinach.
It’s rich without being heavy, packed with flavor, and easy to customize with extra vegetables or protein, making it perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners alike.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 363
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb penne pasta
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can i.e. 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ⅛ tsp crushed red pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • 4 oz fresh spinach

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–5 minutes.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and water until fully combined.
  4. Lower the heat and add the cream cheese in small pieces. Whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Stir in the Parmesan until melted.
  5. Add the spinach and gently fold it into the sauce until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
  6. Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm.

Notes

This is the kind of pasta that feels comforting, creamy, and satisfying without putting you into a food coma.
It’s simple, cozy, and dependable—the kind of recipe you make once and then keep in your regular dinner rotation.