Are you craving a comforting, delicious meal that's both healthy and satisfying? Look no further! This creamy tomato and spinach pasta recipe is a family favorite, bursting with fresh flavors and easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. It's the perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest – a quick dinner idea that's also a healthy meal. This recipe is one I’ve tweaked over the years, passing down Mama's wisdom and a few of my own culinary adventures. Get ready to enjoy a truly delicious dish!
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 a vegan option)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 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 about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in the thawed and squeezed spinach and heavy cream (or coconut cream). Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, until the sauce is heated through and creamy.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. 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:
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Veggie Power: Include other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- 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.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a single serving will provide a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. For precise nutritional information, use a nutritional calculator and input your specific ingredients and quantities.
This creamy tomato and spinach pasta is a simple yet satisfying meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch. It's a great example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor and nutrition. Enjoy this delicious dish and let me know how you like it in the comments below! I'd love to hear your feedback and any variations you try!