Easy Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta | A Perfect Weeknight Meal

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta Recipe to Satisfy Your Soul

Who doesn’t enjoy a flavorful and nutrient-rich creamy pasta dish? Say hello to Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta—the weeknight dinner that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re a food enthusiast seeking to impress your followers, a busy home cook seeking a wholesome meal, or someone just beginning to explore healthier recipes, this dish is sure to make a lasting impression on your dinner table.

This recipe is not only quick and simple, but it also incorporates fresh ingredients that enhance its flavor and offer health benefits. Additionally, I will share all my expert tips and tricks to ensure you master this dish every time. Let’s get started!

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Ingredients You’ll Need 

Fresh, flavorful ingredients are the heart (and stomach!) of this creamy pasta. Here’s what you need:

For the sauce: 

• Olive oil (2 tbsp): The golden elixir to sauté your garlic to aromatic perfection. 
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Because what’s pasta without a garlicky kick? 
• Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 14 oz): Brings a deep, tangy tomato flavor that hugs your pasta perfectly. 
• Heavy cream (½ cup): The secret behind that rich, dreamy texture. 
• Baby spinach (3 big handfuls): Adds a fresh, bright boost of nutrients.

For the pasta: 

• Fettuccine or penne (12 oz): Go with what you like! Penne holds the sauce beautifully, but fettuccine makes it soooo luxurious. 
• Salt & pepper (to taste): To bring all those flavors front and center. 
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup): For that cheesy umami goodness. 

Optional but magical add-ons:

• Pinch of red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat. 
• Fresh basil leaves: Garnish for that wow factor and a peppery finish. 

Why these ingredients work: 

The spinach enhances the nutritional value without anyone noticing, and the harmonious blend of tomatoes and cream provides a velvety richness without being excessively heavy. This is comfort food that loves you back.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions 

Even if you’ve never cooked a day in your life, you’ve got this. Promise.

1. Cook the Pasta 

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente. Don’t forget to save 1 cup of pasta water before draining (trust me, this little secret makes the sauce EXTRA creamy).

2. Create the Sauce Magic 

While your pasta is cooking, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant—don’t overdo it or else you’ll get bitter vibes! Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Reduce the heat, add your heavy cream, and watch as magic happens.

3. Add Spinach & Season 

Add your baby spinach to the sauce. At first, the amount may appear excessive, but it will eventually reduce to the perfect amount. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick).

4. Toss Together 

Add your cooked pasta to the sauce along with a splash of that saved pasta water. Toss everything together to coat each noodle in that silky, dreamy sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and give it one last stir.

5. Serve & Devour 

Garnish with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy. Pour yourself a glass of wine, take that first bite, and prepare to melt into pasta heaven.

Pro tip! Leftovers warm up amazingly with a splash of cream. Meal prep, anyone?

Read more: Easy Pasta Primavera Recipe for Healthy Eaters

Tools of the Trade 

With the right tools, preparing this dish becomes effortless. Here are my essential kitchen tools for pasta night:

• Pasta Pot with Strainer Insert: Simplifies draining and saves you from fumbling with hot water.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp, reliable knife makes prepping garlic and spinach so much easier. I swear by the Wüsthof Classic 8-Inch Knife. 
• Non-Stick Skillet: A deep, wide skillet is perfect for tossing pasta in the sauce. I recommend the GreenPan Ceramic Cookware Set.
• Microplane Grater: Because freshly grated Parmesan.

Every sharp chop, smooth stir, and effortless toss feels better with tools that actually work. (And bonus—these make great gifts for foodies, too!)

Tips & Tricks to Elevate Your Pasta Game 

Want to turn this good recipe into great? Here are my pro tips:

• Want it vegetarian? Swap the Parmesan for a plant-based cheese like Violife. 
• Need a vegan version? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. 
• Got a protein lover? Add grilled chicken for extra heartiness, or toss in some sautéed shrimp. 
• Leftovers hack: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Rewarm with a splash of cream or pasta water to bring the sauce back to life. 

And don’t forget—you can double the batch for meal prep! Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta even tastes better the next day (if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers).

Let the Pasta Love Begin 

There you have it! A Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta recipe that’s wholesome, delicious, and foolproof. This dish is perfect for any occasion, be it a dinner party, a cozy solo night, or a special treat for your family. It’s comforting and classy all at once.