Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

Discover the comforting and delicious Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta, a perfect blend of rich tomatoes, creamy sauce, and vibrant spinach. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. It offers versatility, allowing you to customize it with your favorite protein or enjoy it as a hearty vegetarian meal. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful pasta dish!

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Ingredients

12 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne recommended)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, featuring basil, garlic, and oregano

1 cup heavy cream

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus additional for serving)

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. After reserving, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet set over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.

Add Tomatoes: Carefully pour the can of diced tomatoes (including their juices) into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.

Cream It Up: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in the heavy cream. Stir thoroughly to create a luscious creamy sauce. Add the Italian seasoning, and then season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.

Incorporate Spinach: Gradually stir in the chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and is evenly incorporated into the sauce.

Combine with Pasta: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually mix in some of the reserved pasta water until the desired creaminess is achieved.

Cheesy Goodness: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a beautiful richness. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve and Garnish: Spoon the creamy tomato spinach pasta into serving bowls. Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil for a pop of color and flavor before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with extra basil for added flavor and a vibrant look. A side of garlic bread would complement this dish wonderfully!