Creamy Spinach Tomato Pasta

Name: Creamy Spinach Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) pasta of choice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 4 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

I love making this Creamy Spinach Tomato Pasta when I’m looking for something comforting yet quick. It's a delightful combination of fresh spinach, ripe tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. The flavors meld perfectly, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and healthy. In under 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal on your table that will impress family and friends alike. It’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.

Created by

Maribel Hayes

Last updated on 2026-01-15T16:16:18.535Z

When I first experimented with this recipe, I was struck by how the simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. The creamy sauce, enhanced by the fresh spinach and sweet tomatoes, became a family favorite almost immediately. I’ve found that using freshly grated Parmesan really elevates the dish, giving it a rich depth of flavor that pre-grated cheese just can’t match.

I also love to top each bowl with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. It’s a great way to personalize the dish according to our tastes, making it perfect for any gathering. Over time, we’ve made it our own by adding extra veggies or even some grilled chicken.

        Reasons to Love This Recipe
        Silky smooth sauce that wraps around the pasta beautifully
Fresh spinach and juicy tomatoes create a vibrant flavor
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any night of the week

      

Ingredient Spotlight: Spinach and Tomatoes

The freshness of the spinach truly elevates the dish, adding not only vibrant color but also essential nutrients. When you cook the spinach, it wilts down significantly, maintaining its nutritional benefits while compacting its flavor. For best results, opt for fresh spinach rather than frozen, as it offers a fresher taste and better texture. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute with kale or Swiss chard, but note that they may require slightly longer cooking time to soften.

Tomatoes are the heart of this dish, providing a juicy sweetness that balances the creaminess. Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes if you can, as they deliver the best flavor. You can even roast them beforehand to deepen their sweetness. Alternatively, if fresh tomatoes aren't available, a high-quality canned variety works splendidly; just ensure you drain some excess liquid to prevent the sauce from becoming too watery.

Pasta Cooking Tips

When cooking your pasta, remember that 'al dente' means it's firm but tender, which is essential for a dish with a creamy sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won't hold onto the sauce as well. Reserve that pasta water; it contains starch that helps to emulsify the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the noodles. Aim for a light boil, adjusting the heat as needed; you want the pasta gently bubbling without a rolling boil that can lead to uneven cooking.

Experimenting with different types of pasta can yield various textures and flavors. For instance, using penne or fusilli creates nooks that trap the sauce, enhancing each bite. If you're looking to lighten the meal, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are excellent options, but their cooking times may vary, so be sure to check package instructions closely.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to make this dish ahead of time, consider undercooking the pasta slightly before adding it to the sauce and storing separately. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming soggy when reheated. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.

This Creamy Spinach Tomato Pasta pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or garlic bread, offering a lovely contrast to the richness of the dish. For a touch of elegance, top it with freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat. You can also add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal while maintaining the dish's delightful balance.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz (340g) pasta of choice
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Add Spinach and Cream

Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well to combine, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta back into the pot along with the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Pro Tips

For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with a light cream or Greek yogurt. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for added protein and flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce is too thick, a bit of the reserved pasta water will loosen it up nicely. Conversely, if it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to help it reduce and thicken. You can also add more Parmesan cheese to help thicken the sauce while enhancing flavor. Always taste and adjust the seasoning; sometimes, a touch more salt or pepper can elevate the entire dish.

For those who find their sauce breaking (separating), this often happens when the heat is too high. To prevent this, maintain a gentle simmer once you add the cream. Stir constantly while it simmers to help the sauce stay smooth and cohesive. If it does break, whisk in a little more cream on low heat to bring it back together.

Variations to Try

To switch things up, try adding protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp. They can be added directly into the sauce when combining with pasta for a complete meal. For vegetarian options, chickpeas or white beans can also be mixed in, boosting the dish's fiber and protein content. These additions can make your meal even more fulfilling while keeping it deliciously creamy.

Feel free to enhance your dish with additional vegetables. Sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can bring more texture and flavor. Simply add them during the sauce preparation stage before adding the cream. This not only diversifies the dish but also ups the nutritional value, ensuring you get a hearty helping of veggies with every bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with any pasta shape you prefer, whether it's penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.

→ Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan alternative.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

→ Can I freeze this pasta dish?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta before adding the cream. To enjoy later, simply thaw and add the cream mixture before serving.