Description
This creamy tomato and spinach pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a rich tomato and cream sauce, enhanced with fresh spinach, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic basil. It’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat to prepare for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat to prepare for the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, infusing the oil with flavor.
- Add Tomatoes: Pour the can of diced tomatoes, including the juices, into the skillet with the garlic, stirring to combine.
- Simmer Tomato Mixture: Let the tomato and garlic mixture simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Heavy Cream: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream, mixing continuously to form a creamy sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts and softens, adding freshness and color.
- Melt Parmesan: Incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, allowing it to melt for a creamy texture.
- Season Sauce: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, adjusting to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the creamy tomato sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Add Basil: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta and gently toss to combine for a burst of herbal aroma.
- Serve: Serve the creamy tomato and spinach pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on spice preference.
- Use fresh spinach for best texture and flavor; baby spinach works well.
- Parmesan cheese adds rich flavor and helps thicken the sauce; use freshly grated if possible.
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
