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To make this creamy tomato spinach pasta, you need the following: - 12 oz (340g) of your preferred pasta - 2 tablespoons of high-quality olive oil - 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes - 4 cups of fresh spinach, washed and chopped - 1 cup of heavy cream - 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend - ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and black pepper to taste - ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish I recommend using penne or fusilli pasta for this dish. They hold the sauce well, making each bite delightful. You could also try rotini or farfalle if you want a fun twist. Just ensure the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand. Here are some easy swaps: - Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta if needed. - Cream: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for a dairy-free option. - Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast serves as a great vegan substitute. - Spinach: Kale or Swiss chard can work in place of spinach. These changes still keep the creamy tomato spinach pasta tasty and satisfying! First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot. I like to use medium heat for this step. Next, add 3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it to become fragrant and lightly golden. Then, pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like spice. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. Add 12 ounces of your favorite pasta to the pot. I often use penne or fusilli, but you can choose what you like. Pour in 4 cups of water and stir everything well. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Aim for an al dente texture for the best bite. When the pasta is ready, add 4 cups of washed and roughly chopped spinach. Then mix in 1 cup of heavy cream or coconut cream if you prefer a dairy-free option. Cook this on low heat for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the spinach to wilt and the sauce to become rich and creamy. Finally, remove the pot from heat and stir in ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve it hot, topped with fresh basil leaves for a lovely touch. To get the best creamy sauce, start with high-quality heavy cream. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut cream works great. Add it at the end for a rich flavor. Always stir in the cheese while the sauce is still warm. This helps it melt smoothly. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. Taste and adjust the seasoning. A pinch of salt or a dash of pepper can make a big difference. To keep your creamy tomato spinach pasta fresh, let it cool first. Then place it in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just remember that the texture might change a bit after thawing. When you reheat, do it slowly. Use low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a bit of water or cream to help bring back the creaminess. Serve your creamy pasta hot in big bowls. Top it with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can enhance the taste too. Pair it with a light salad or garlic bread for a full meal. This dish also goes well with a glass of white wine. Experiment with different sides to find what you like best! {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. For a vegetarian option, just stick to the recipe. Use heavy cream and Parmesan cheese as listed. If you want a vegan version, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. It gives the same creamy texture but without dairy. Instead of Parmesan, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy the creamy tomato spinach pasta. If you like spice, add more red pepper flakes to the dish. Start with the suggested ½ teaspoon, then taste it. If you want more heat, add a little more. For less spice, skip the red pepper flakes altogether. Your pasta will still taste great without them. Adjusting spice levels makes this dish fit your taste perfectly. You can turn this pasta into a protein-packed meal. Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for more protein. If you choose to add chicken, make sure it's cooked before mixing it in. For shrimp, add it in the last few minutes of cooking so they don’t overcook. If you prefer tofu, use firm tofu and sauté it until golden before adding it. These options make your creamy tomato spinach pasta even more filling and satisfying. To keep your creamy tomato spinach pasta fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, be sure to label the container with the date. You can freeze this pasta dish, too! First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, it lasts for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, place the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until warm. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your creamy pasta again! Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. Look for penne or fusilli shapes. Cook time may change, so check the package. Gluten-free pasta should still blend well with the creamy sauce. To make this dish dairy-free, simply swap heavy cream for coconut cream. It gives a rich taste without dairy. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. Fresh basil remains to add freshness. You can use nutritional yeast as a vegan option. It adds a savory flavor. If you prefer a non-vegan choice, try pecorino or Grana Padano. Both will bring a wonderful taste to your creamy dish. This blog post covered all you need for a tasty dish. We explored the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make it perfect. You learned about variations, storage methods, and answered common questions about substitutions. With this guide, you can create a delicious meal your family will love. Enjoy getting creative in the kitchen, and don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite flavors! Happy cooking!

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta One Pot

Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy tomato spinach pasta with this easy recipe! Learn how to whip up a delightful meal using simple ingredients like pasta, fresh spinach, and creamy sauce. Perfect for both quick dinners and special occasions, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Don't miss out on the step-by-step guide that makes cooking a breeze. Click through to discover this delicious recipe and impress your family tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) of your preferred pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

2 tablespoons of high-quality olive oil

3 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes (with all juices included)

4 cups of fresh spinach, washed thoroughly and roughly chopped

1 cup of heavy cream (or substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend

½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast if you prefer a vegan substitute)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnishing

Instructions
 

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.

    Carefully pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir in the Italian seasoning and, if desired, the red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully.

      Add the chosen pasta into the pot along with 4 cups of water. Stir to combine all ingredients well and bring the mixture to a rapid boil.

        Once the pasta reaches a boil, reduce the heat to let it simmer. Cover the pot and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally. Aim for al dente texture, which typically takes around 8-10 minutes.

          After the pasta has cooked, stir in the washed spinach and the heavy cream (or coconut cream). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat, or until the spinach has wilted and the sauce reaches a rich, creamy consistency.

            Remove the pot from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast). Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.

              Serve the creamy pasta immediately in generous bowls, topped with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4