Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta – Simple Recipes for Dinner

Oh, if you’ve ever found yourself staring blankly into your fridge at dinnertime—wondering how to pull something yummy together with just a few staples—this creamy tomato and spinach pasta is a lifesaver! I’m talking about a dish that comes together fast but feels like you’ve been stirring it lovingly all day. The vibrant red tomato sauce blending with the velvety cream and fresh green spinach is just so comforting and satisfying. And seriously, that first bite feels like a warm hug wrapped in pasta form! Plus, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something rich and cozy, but don’t want to slave over the stove. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be one of your go-to dinners.

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work great)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How I Make It

Step 1:

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions—usually about 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Don’t forget to save a cup of the pasta water before you drain it; that starchy water is a secret weapon for creamy sauces!

Step 2:

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant—watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.

Step 3:

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let the sauce simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, so it thickens slightly and develops that rich, tangy flavor. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4:

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting it meld into the tomato sauce, creating that signature creamy texture and beautiful pink hue. Add the chopped spinach on top, stir gently, and cook just until it wilts—about 2 minutes.

Step 5:

Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce. Toss everything together carefully and, if the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water little by little until you reach the perfect consistency that coats the pasta in luscious creaminess.

Step 6:

Finish by stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce, which adds a lovely salty depth. Give the pasta one last toss, taste for seasoning, and serve immediately—maybe with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh basil if you have it!

Variations & Tips

• Try adding cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier meal.
• Swap fresh spinach for kale or arugula for a different leafy twist.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Roast cherry tomatoes instead of canned for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
• If you want a vegan version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy.
• Always reserve some pasta water—it’s gold for fixing too-thick sauces.

How I Like to Serve It

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette—something bright to balance the creamy richness. I especially love serving it on chilly weeknights when you need warmth and comfort in the simplest bite. Add a side of garlic bread, and you’re in for a cozy, satisfying dinner that’s easy to whip up any night of the week.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of water or cream to keep it creamy.
• If your sauce thickens too much overnight, just loosen it up with a bit of milk or broth when reheating.

Closing: This creamy tomato and spinach pasta recipe always feels like a win because it’s simple, cozy, and packed with fresh flavors that bring everyone right to the table.