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Creamy Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade Velvety Sauce

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A quick and comforting creamy spinach tomato pasta with a velvety sauce made from fresh spinach, ripe tomatoes, and cream. Perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (about 300g), halved
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (about 120g)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (50g)
  • 12 oz pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine recommended)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes for al dente. Reserve ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  3. Add 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
  4. Add 4 cups chopped fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green. If the pan feels dry, splash a tablespoon of reserved pasta water.
  5. Pour in 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, stirring gently. Lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce seems thick or sticky. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste.
  7. Remove skillet from heat and stir in ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil.

Notes

Reserve pasta water before draining to loosen the sauce if needed. Cook garlic on medium heat to avoid bitterness. Add Parmesan off the heat to prevent graininess. Avoid overcooking spinach to keep it vibrant. Use low to medium heat when simmering cream to prevent separation. Variations include adding protein like chicken or shrimp, or making vegan by substituting cream and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy spinach tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta sauce, spinach pasta, tomato pasta, quick dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://larameals.com/creamy-spinach-tomato-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-velvety-sauce/