Are you craving a delicious and healthy meal that won't keep you in the kitchen all evening? Then look no further! This creamy tomato and spinach pasta is the perfect quick dinner idea, ready in under 30 minutes. It's bursting with flavor, packed with nutrients, and so easy to make, even beginner cooks will feel like pros. Get ready to enjoy a homemade cooking experience that’s both satisfying and simple!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, nutritional yeast for vegan option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Simmer the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Add spinach and cream: Stir in the thawed and squeezed spinach and heavy cream (or coconut cream). Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the creamy tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
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Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), if using. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Dish:
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality crushed tomatoes. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice.
- Don't overcook the garlic; it can become bitter.
- If you don't have fresh basil, dried basil works well too. Just use about 1 teaspoon.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variations:
- Chicken Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta: Add cooked and shredded chicken breast to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Vegetarian Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta: This recipe is already vegetarian! Adding roasted vegetables like eggplant or zucchini would make it even more substantial.
- Vegan Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta: Simply swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the ingredients used. A general estimate per serving is around 400-500 calories, depending on portion size and additions. For precise nutritional values, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.
This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying dish anytime you crave a comforting and flavorful meal. It's a testament to how simple homemade cooking can be – and how incredibly delicious it can taste!