Go Back
- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish In this dish, the main ingredients create a rich and creamy flavor. Penne pasta forms the base, and its shape holds the sauce well. Olive oil adds a smooth texture, while minced garlic gives a nice aroma. Crushed tomatoes bring acidity and sweetness, balancing the cream. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and velvety. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Italian seasoning gives warmth and depth. Sugar balances the acidity from the tomatoes. Parmesan cheese adds a salty bite, and fresh basil tops it all off. - Protein choices (chicken, shrimp, etc.) - Extra vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms) - Spices for added heat Feel free to customize this recipe. Adding chicken or shrimp turns it into a hearty meal. Extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms add flavor and crunch. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick. These options let you create a dish that fits your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Cooking the penne pasta: First, boil a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until it is al dente. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. 2. Mincing garlic: Take 3 cloves of garlic. Peel them and chop them finely. This step adds a strong flavor to our dish. 3. Chopping spinach: Grab 2 cups of fresh spinach. Rinse it well and chop it into smaller pieces. This will help it mix well into the sauce. 1. Sautéing garlic in olive oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. 2. Adding tomatoes and simmering: Pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors. 3. Stirring in cream and seasonings: Reduce the heat to low. Add 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Mix until everything is combined. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken a bit. 1. Adding spinach to sauce: Stir in the chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts nicely into the sauce. 2. Mixing pasta with sauce: Add the cooked penne to your creamy sauce. Toss it until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. 3. Adding Parmesan cheese and garnishing: Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts and becomes creamy. Plate your dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves on top. Enjoy your meal! To cook perfect penne, use a large pot and plenty of salted water. This helps prevent sticking. Stir the pasta often in the first few minutes. This keeps it separate and helps cook evenly. Aim for al dente, which means the pasta is firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta turns mushy and loses its shape. Adjusting seasoning makes a big difference. Taste the sauce as you cook. You can add salt, pepper, or a touch of sugar to balance flavors. Fresh herbs bring bright taste. Dried herbs are fine, too, but fresh basil or parsley can elevate your dish. If you use dried herbs, add them earlier to let their flavors bloom. To achieve the right thickness for your sauce, let it simmer. This helps the flavors blend while thickening the sauce. If you want a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream. These alternatives keep the dish creamy without adding too many calories. Remember to mix well for a smooth texture. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality tomatoes will enhance the flavor and nutrition of your dish. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth or a plant-based cream alternative. Perfect Pasta: Make sure to undercook the penne slightly, as it will continue to cook when combined with the sauce. Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or fresh herbs like oregano for added flavor. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your creamy tomato spinach penne for extra flavor and nutrition. - Adding chicken or shrimp: Cooked chicken or shrimp works great in this dish. Sauté them until golden, then mix them in with the pasta and sauce. This boosts the protein and makes the meal more filling. - Vegetarian alternatives: For a meatless option, try chickpeas or white beans. They add protein and blend well with the creamy sauce. If you need a gluten-free meal, you can easily adapt this recipe. - Substituting penne: Use gluten-free penne pasta made from rice or corn. Cook it according to package directions for the best results. - Making the sauce gluten-free: The sauce is already gluten-free! Just ensure your heavy cream and other ingredients have no gluten additives. For a plant-based version, swap some ingredients. - Dairy-free cream options: Use coconut cream, cashew cream, or almond milk in place of heavy cream. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. - Using nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute: Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Stir in a few tablespoons to make the sauce taste rich and savory. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. You can also use a glass jar or a plastic bowl with a tight lid. This keeps the flavors fresh. Make sure to eat it within three to four days. For freezing, put the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a pot on low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to help it warm up evenly. In the fridge, Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne lasts for about three to four days. Look for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or mold. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your meal with peace of mind by storing it properly! Yes, you can make this creamy tomato spinach penne in advance. To do this, cook the pasta until it is just al dente. Then, prepare the sauce as directed. Mix the pasta and sauce together. Allow the dish to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove. You may need to add a splash of water or cream to restore creaminess. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, consider using whole milk or half-and-half. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. For a thicker texture, blend silken tofu until smooth. This will add creaminess without using cream. Each option will change the flavor slightly, so choose what works best for you. To add spice to your creamy tomato spinach penne, you can include red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch, then add more to taste. You can also add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you like, try adding a bit of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Adjust the spices to suit your taste. You can use dried spinach instead of fresh spinach, but it will change the dish. Dried spinach lacks the fresh flavor and texture of fresh. To use dried spinach, rehydrate it first. Soak it in warm water for about 15 minutes, then drain and add it to the sauce. Keep in mind, the taste will be less vibrant, but it still adds some nutrition. This blog post covered a creamy penne pasta recipe from ingredients to storage tips. You learned how to make a delicious dish with fresh flavors and easy steps. Remember to choose your favorite proteins or veggies to personalize it. Proper storage helps keep leftovers fresh for a longer time. Whether you like it spicy or creamy, this dish can adapt to your taste. Enjoy cooking and sharing this pasta delight with friends and family!

Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne

A delicious and creamy pasta dish with tomatoes and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Mix until well combined.
  • Add the Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  • Add the cooked penne to the sauce and mix until the pasta is well coated with the creamy mixture.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Plate the Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.
Keyword creamy, pasta, spinach, tomato