Are you looking for a quick, easy, and healthy dinner recipe that will impress your loved ones? Look no further! This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta, inspired by the heartwarming stories of Anne Malcom, is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for a cozy night in. It’s bursting with flavor, simple to make, and packed with nutritious ingredients – the perfect recipe for sharing love, one delicious bite at a time. This easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, offering a healthy alternative to takeout without sacrificing flavor.
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 chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black 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 cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Simmer the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
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Add spinach and cream: Stir in the thawed and squeezed spinach and heavy cream (or coconut cream). Simmer for another 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
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Stir in cheese and season: Stir in the Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve and garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Add protein: Cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp would be delicious additions to this pasta dish.
- Veggie boost: Include other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
- Fresh is best: If you have fresh spinach, use about 2 cups, roughly chopped. Just add it at the end with the cream, as it cooks quickly.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Fat: 20-25g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
This delicious and easy pasta recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a romantic meal, or any occasion where you want to share some love through homemade cooking. The creamy tomato sauce complements the spinach perfectly, and the simplicity of the recipe allows you to focus on enjoying the company of your loved ones. Enjoy!