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A close-up of a bowl of Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta with penne noodles, wilted spinach, and grated cheese.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

This creamy tomato spinach pasta is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. With a rich sauce and vibrant greens, it is simple, affordable, and highly saveable for Pinterest meal ideas.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pasta
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
For the sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water
For the creamy finish
  • 2 ounces cream cheese cut into small pieces
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cups fresh spinach

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta for 8 to 10 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato paste, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and water. Stir well to combine.
  5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  6. Add cream cheese in small pieces and stir until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.
  8. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
  9. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
  10. Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, let the sauce simmer a few extra minutes before adding the cream cheese to deepen the tomato base.