Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta is the perfect Italian dish. The sauce is so savory, and the parmesan cheese you sprinkle on top adds the perfect texture. My most picky eater asked for seconds when we made this, so I consider this pasta recipe, award winning.

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Total Time25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 30 minute recipe, baked pasta, Easy Family Dinner, Easy Pasta Recipe

Servings:

Calories: 235kcal

Equipment

Skillet

Ingredients

8 ounces whole wheat penne pasta
1 Tablespoon olive oil
¼ onion diced
1 teaspoon minced garlic
6 ounces tomato paste 1 can
1¼ cups water
8 ounces fat free cream cheese 1 package, cut into cubes
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes 1 can
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 cups baby spinach
⅛ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook pasta according to directions on package.
While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion and garlic and sauté until onions are tender, about 5 minutes.
Add tomato paste and water then stir until combined.
Add cream cheese and diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
Turn stove top to low heat, add noodles and stir until coated.
Add spinach and stir until spinach begins to wilt, about 3 minutes.
Top with Parmesan cheese.

Notes

If you want to add meat:

We recommend adding ground turkey or ground beef to this recipe.

Cook the meat in a separate pan or with the onions, then add it to the other cooked pasta and ingredients for best results and taste.

We also recommend washing and draining the grease from either meat you choose.

We have never tried this recipe with chicken, but if you decide to do chicken, we recommend using chicken tenders for a more juicy meat, rather than a chicken breast that can get a little dry.

Nutrition