This Tomato Spinach Pasta is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s quick to make! It features tender pasta tossed with juicy tomatoes and bright spinach—perfect for a weeknight meal.
I love how colorful this dish looks! Plus, it’s healthy and packed with flavor. You can make it in just one pot, which means less cleaning—yay! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta is great for holding onto the sauce. If you don’t have penne, feel free to swap it with fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Each type will give a different twist to the dish!
Olive Oil: A must-have for sautéing and adding flavor. If you’re out, any neutral cooking oil works, but if you want a richer taste, try using avocado oil. I like to drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil right before serving for freshness.
Garlic & Onion: These form the flavor base of your sauce. Fresh is best, but you can use garlic powder and onion powder in a pinch—use 1/4 teaspoon of each for every clove and small onion. They may not taste exactly the same, but they’ll still add nice flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are convenient and full of flavor, but fresh chopped tomatoes work just as well. If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, you can use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce. For a different flavor, consider fire-roasted tomatoes!
Fresh Spinach: You can substitute it with kale or Swiss chard. For a lighter option, try baby spinach. If you have frozen spinach, ensure to drain and squeeze out excess water before using.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Getting the sauce creamy is super important for this dish! The key is to add the cream and cheese after lowering the heat, which prevents them from curdling. Here’s how to do it:
- Once the spinach has wilted, reduce the skillet’s heat to low.
- Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and stir gently.
- Add the grated Parmesan gradually, stirring constantly until it melts and incorporates fully into the sauce.
- Don’t skip this step—it’s the secret to a creamy and flavorful pasta!
Also, make sure to taste as you go! Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper once everything is combined—it makes a difference!
How to Make Delicious Tomato Spinach Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half (optional for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tomato Spinach Pasta will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll need around 10 minutes to cook the pasta and another 20 minutes for the sauce and mixing everything together. Quick and easy 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 boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Make the Sauce:
Next, stir in the diced tomatoes and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Let this mixture simmer for 8-10 minutes to reduce slightly. This helps concentrate the flavors and makes your sauce even tastier!
4. Add the Spinach:
Now it’s time to add the fresh spinach to your skillet. Stir it in and cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until it wilts down. Give it a stir occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly.
5. Cream it Up:
Lower the heat, and if you’re using heavy cream, stir it in now along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and delicious.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to your skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy to taste as you go!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is well mixed, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your Tomato Spinach Pasta with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the pasta hot, and you might want to pair it with some crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your fresh, flavorful Tomato Spinach Pasta!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great option for added fiber and nutrients. If you need a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free penne or any other gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as it may vary.
How Can I Add More Protein to This Pasta Dish?
For added protein, try tossing in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked chickpeas! You can cook them separately and mix them in right before serving or sauté them with the garlic and onion at the start for more flavor integration.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the creaminess. Stir occasionally for even heating.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want to keep it lighter, half-and-half is a great substitute for heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut milk or cashew cream, which will still give you a nice creaminess without the dairy.