Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? This creamy tomato and spinach pasta is just what you need. You can whip up this yummy dish in only 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe uses simple items like pasta, canned tomatoes, and fresh spinach to create a filling meal.
This pasta dish is both creamy and healthy. The cream cheese and Parmesan add richness, while the spinach adds color and nutrients. The mix of herbs like oregano and basil gives it a nice Italian flavor. Plus, you can easily change it up by using different pasta shapes or adding extra veggies.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy pasta dish:
• 1/2 lb penne pasta
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 4 oz fresh spinach
Got everything? Great! This recipe serves 4 and takes about 25 minutes total. The prep is quick – just 5 minutes to chop the onion and garlic. Then it’s 20 minutes of cooking time.
Remember to bring a big pot of water to a boil for the pasta. While that’s heating up, you can start on the creamy tomato sauce. Dice your onion and mince the garlic first.
The sauce comes together easily in a skillet. You’ll sauté the onion and garlic, then add tomatoes and spices. The cream cheese and Parmesan make it rich and creamy. Last step is wilting the spinach right in the sauce.
Instructions
Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add the penne pasta and cook for 7-10 minutes until tender. Drain in a colander when done.
While the pasta cooks, make the sauce. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 3-5 minutes until soft.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir in tomato paste and 1/2 cup water until well mixed.
Lower the heat. Cut cream cheese into small pieces and add to the skillet. Whisk until it melts and the sauce is creamy. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
Add fresh spinach and gently stir until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Mix in the cooked pasta, coating it evenly with sauce. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve your creamy tomato and spinach pasta while it’s hot. Enjoy your tasty homemade meal!
Possible Substitutes List
You can swap out ingredients to make this pasta dish fit your tastes or what’s in your pantry. Here are some easy swaps:
Pasta: Try rotini, farfalle, or shells instead of penne.
Veggies: Swap spinach for kale, arugula, or frozen peas.
Cheese: Use ricotta or goat cheese in place of cream cheese.
Tomatoes: Crushed or whole canned tomatoes work too. Just break them up as they cook.
Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano are great if you have them.
Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage for extra filling power.
Want to make it vegan? Try these swaps:
- Use plant-based cream cheese
- Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast
- Add some white beans for protein
For a gluten-free version, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
These swaps let you change up the flavors while keeping the creamy, tomatoey goodness you love.
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this creamy tomato and spinach pasta more diabetes-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps.
First, use whole wheat or high-fiber pasta instead of regular penne. This will add more fiber and slow down digestion.
Cut the pasta amount in half and double the spinach. This lowers the carbs while boosting nutrients.
Replace the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. You’ll get protein and calcium with fewer calories.
Here are some other tips:
- Use less Parmesan or try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor
- Add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers
- Serve smaller portions with a side salad
When cooking, follow the same steps but use these substitutions. The taste will be just as yummy!
Remember to check your blood sugar after trying this new version. Everyone responds differently to foods, so see how it works for you.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
For the best creamy tomato and spinach pasta, use fresh ingredients when possible. Ripe tomatoes and crisp spinach make a big difference in flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta – aim for al dente. This keeps the texture perfect when mixed with the sauce.
Try these easy swaps to change things up:
- Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein
- Swap spinach for kale or arugula
Make extra sauce and freeze it for quick meals later. It keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
For meal prep, cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store in the fridge and combine when ready to eat. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy.
Want it spicier? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste.