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When making creamy tomato spinach pasta, gather these key ingredients. They will help you create a tasty dish with great flavors. - Pasta type options: - 8 oz (225g) of penne or fettuccine - Fresh produce selection: - 2 cups of fresh spinach, washed and chopped - 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - Dairy and seasonings needed: - 1 cup of heavy cream - 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning - ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients are simple yet pack a punch. Don't forget to check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to bring it all together! Start by boiling water in a large pot. Make sure to add salt to the water; it should taste like the sea. Once the water boils, add 8 oz of pasta. Cook according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta, but save ½ cup of the starchy water. This water helps thicken the sauce later. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want it to smell great and turn golden, but don't burn it. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté these for 3 to 5 minutes until they soften and release their juices. Stir them occasionally to cook evenly. Now it's time to add the cream. Lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream slowly. Stir well to mix everything. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This helps it thicken slightly. If it becomes too thick, you can adjust it with some reserved pasta water. Next, gently fold 2 cups of chopped spinach into the sauce. Cook for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and turns bright green. Then, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, making sure each piece of pasta is coated in sauce. If the sauce is still too thick, stir in a bit more of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired thickness. To boost the taste of your creamy tomato spinach pasta, try these ideas: - Spices: Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for depth. A bit of oregano can also brighten the dish. - Cheese: Use a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella for a creamy, rich flavor. Feta can add a nice tang too. - Freshness: Toss in some fresh lemon juice or zest. This brightens the dish and adds a lovely aroma. Getting the sauce just right is key for this dish. Here are some tips: - Sauce Consistency: When you mix in the cream, watch it closely. If it thickens too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water. This keeps the sauce silky and smooth. - Preventing Overcooked Pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a bit of bite. Drain it right away to stop the cooking. Toss it with the sauce quickly to keep it from getting mushy. These simple tricks help create a dish full of flavor and perfect texture. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can change the pasta type for this creamy tomato spinach pasta. Here are some ideas: - Gluten-Free Pasta: Try using gluten-free penne or fettuccine. They taste great and work well in the sauce. - Whole Wheat Pasta: Whole wheat options add fiber and a nutty flavor. They are perfect for a healthier dish. - Alternative Shapes: Consider using rotini or farfalle. Their shapes hold the sauce nicely, making every bite tasty. Adding protein makes this dish more filling. Here are a few great choices: - Chicken: Cook sliced chicken breast in the skillet before adding garlic. This adds a nice flavor and makes the meal heartier. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp with garlic for a quick protein boost. They cook fast and pair well with the sauce. - Vegetarian Options: For a meatless meal, try chickpeas or tofu. They add protein and texture while keeping it plant-based. These variations let you customize your creamy tomato spinach pasta. You can make it fit your taste and needs perfectly! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. To keep your creamy tomato spinach pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This method keeps the flavors locked in. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the pasta gently. The stovetop is the best method, as it warms the dish evenly. Heat it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it from drying out. Stir often to ensure even heating. If you choose the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This method helps maintain moisture. Remember, no one likes dry pasta! Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it first. Squeeze out excess water. This will help keep the dish from being watery. How to adjust the recipe for larger servings? To serve more people, simply double the ingredients. This means using 16 oz of pasta and 4 cups of spinach. Adjust the sauce and seasonings too. Taste as you go for the best flavor. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge. Combine them just before serving to keep the pasta fresh. What to do if the sauce is too thick? If your sauce is thick, add the reserved pasta water. Stir in a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This will help make it creamy and smooth. How to fix if the pasta is too mushy? If your pasta is mushy, it's best to start over with fresh pasta. You can try to drain it and toss it in cold water. This may help firm it up a bit, but it won't be perfect. Always watch your cooking time to avoid mushy pasta. This blog post shared how to make a flavorful pasta dish. We covered key ingredients like pasta, fresh produce, and dairy. You learned the steps for cooking pasta, sautéing garlic and tomatoes, and creating a creamy sauce. We also explored tips for flavor boosts, cooking techniques, and variations. Lastly, I shared storage and reheating methods, plus answers to common questions. With these tips, you can create a delicious dish that suits your taste and needs. Dive into the kitchen and enjoy every bite!

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

Indulge in a bowl of creamy tomato spinach pasta that's quick, easy, and bursting with flavor! This delicious recipe combines fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and rich heavy cream for a meal everyone will love. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s ready in just 25 minutes. Dive into this comforting dish and impress your family and friends.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) pasta (choose between penne or fettuccine)

2 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and roughly chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Fresh basil leaves for a delightful garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, add enough salted water and bring it to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta, making sure to reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.

    Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In a large skillet set over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic, sautéing for approximately 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant and golden but not burnt.

      Add Cherry Tomatoes: Introduce the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté them for 3-5 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices, stirring occasionally for even cooking.

        Incorporate Cream: Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir the mixture well to ensure a smooth blend. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you prefer a touch of spice. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.

          Mix in Spinach: Gently fold the chopped spinach into the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes or until the spinach is wilted and vibrant in color.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy tomato spinach sauce. Toss thoroughly to ensure all the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your preferred consistency.

              Season: Taste the dish and adjust with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your liking.

                Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Plate the creamy pasta generously, sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with bright fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4