Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne

$To make a creamy tomato spinach penne, gather these fresh ingredients: - 12 oz penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in crafting this dish. The penne pasta serves as a hearty base. Olive oil adds a nice richness. Garlic gives a fragrant kick that brightens the meal. The canned diced tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy flavor. Heavy cream makes the sauce luxuriously smooth. Fresh spinach brings color and nutrients. Italian seasoning ties all the flavors together. Salt and pepper enhance the taste. Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty element, while fresh basil leaves offer a fresh finish. With these ingredients, you set the stage for a simple yet satisfying meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Use about 4 quarts of water for 12 oz of penne pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook it for about 10-12 minutes until it is al dente. This means it should be soft but still have a slight bite. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to become fragrant but not brown. Next, stir in a can of drained diced tomatoes. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning for great flavor. Cook this mixture for about 3-4 minutes. This step helps the tomatoes heat through and blend with the garlic. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Allow the sauce to cook for about 2-3 minutes. This will make it slightly thick and creamy. Be sure to stir often to prevent it from sticking. Now, add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2 minutes. The bright green color will add freshness to your dish. Finally, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta in the creamy sauce until it is well coated. To finish, mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds richness and flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. To get the right creamy sauce, you can adjust the amount of cream. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk. This helps create a smooth texture. Always remember to taste and season well. A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper make a big difference. They bring out all the flavors in your dish. To make your dish pop, think about adding spices. A bit of crushed red pepper can add heat. You can also try smoked paprika for a nice depth. When using herbs, fresh is best. Fresh basil and parsley give bright flavor. If you only have dried herbs, that works too. Just remember, dried herbs are stronger, so use less. Garnishing is key for a great look. Fresh basil leaves on top add color and flavor. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan for a rich touch. For sides, serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad. These pair well with the creamy penne and make your meal complete. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant flavor and texture to the dish. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the sauce. Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the dish. Consider adding a handful of fresh basil leaves just before serving for an aromatic touch. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or vegetable broth. This will keep the sauce creamy while reducing the richness. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Always cook pasta until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce, ensuring it remains perfectly tender. {{image_2}} For a veggie-packed dish, you can add other vegetables. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These will boost flavor and nutrition. You can also use vegan cream alternatives. Almond or coconut cream works great. This keeps the dish creamy while catering to plant-based diets. Want to add some protein? Incorporate chicken or shrimp. Simply sauté them before adding garlic. This gives a nice flavor base. You can also use cooked proteins like sausage or turkey. Just heat them up with the sauce for a hearty meal. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Look for options made from rice or chickpeas. Cooking time may change, so check the package. Gluten-free pasta can cook quicker or slower, depending on the brand. After you enjoy your creamy tomato spinach penne, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Place the container in the fridge. It’s best to eat leftovers within three days for the best flavor. To reheat, the best method is to use a skillet. Heat the skillet on low. Add a splash of milk or cream to help keep it creamy. Stir often until it’s warm. You can also use the microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. Yes, you can freeze creamy sauces! However, the texture may change after freezing. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Press out as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for the best results. It takes about 30 minutes to make creamy tomato spinach penne. You spend 10 minutes preparing and 20 minutes cooking. This quick time makes it perfect for busy weeknights. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. If using fresh, you need about 4-5 medium tomatoes. Peel and chop them before adding to the skillet. Fresh tomatoes give a nice texture and flavor. You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream. Silken tofu blended with a bit of water works well too. Each option changes the taste slightly, but they make a creamy sauce. Yes, you can make it ahead. Prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When ready, reheat on the stove with a splash of water. Yes, creamy tomato spinach penne is great for meal prep. It stores well in containers. Just divide into portions. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. This article covered a delicious creamy tomato spinach penne recipe. You learned about key ingredients, straightforward steps, and handy tips. Variations let you customize it to your taste. Proper storage keeps leftovers tasty. Always remember, meals can be fun and easy to make. Enjoy trying new flavors and sharing with friends. Simple dishes can bring joy to everyone. Dive into this recipe, and you’ll find it rewarding and satisfying. Happy cooking!$

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring penne, tomatoes, and spinach.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
14 oz diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to heat through.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until well combined. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Add the chopped spinach to the sauce, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy tomato spinach sauce.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts and integrates into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Plate the creamy penne pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Use fresh basil for garnish to enhance flavor.

Keyword creamy, pasta, spinach, tomato