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- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli) - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - Grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Using the right ingredients is key to this dish. You can pick between penne or fusilli pasta. Both options hold sauce well. The canned diced tomatoes add a rich flavor. The spinach gives a fresh taste and bright color. You have a choice for cream, too. Heavy cream makes it rich and smooth. Coconut cream is a great option for a dairy-free meal. For extra flavor, you might want some grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a nice salty touch. Fresh basil can garnish your dish. It brings a burst of fresh aroma and looks lovely on top. Gather these ingredients for a tasty and easy meal. They all combine to make a creamy, colorful dish you’ll love! First, we heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Next, add 1 small diced onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes. The onion should become soft and clear. Then, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for 1 more minute until it smells amazing. Now, pour in 1 can of diced tomatoes, including the juices. Stir in 12 oz of your choice of pasta, like penne or fusilli. Then, add about 3 cups of water to just cover the pasta. Now, we bring this mixture to a boil. The bubbling sound means we are getting close! Once it boils, lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir it occasionally. This keeps the pasta from sticking. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite. Now, it’s time to add 4 cups of roughly chopped spinach. Stir it in well. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix everything together. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cream heats through. This makes the pasta creamy and delicious. Next, taste your dish! Add salt and pepper as needed to make it perfect. For a nice touch, serve the pasta in bowls. You can top it with grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves. This makes it look fancy and taste even better! How to achieve al dente pasta To get that perfect bite in your pasta, cook it just until it is tender but firm. This means you need to watch the time closely. For penne or fusilli, aim for 10-12 minutes. Stir it gently during cooking to keep it from sticking. Testing a piece a minute early helps you catch that perfect al dente stage. Adjusting liquid for creamy consistency For a creamy sauce, start with the right amount of liquid. Use about three cups of water to cover the pasta. As the pasta cooks, some liquid will absorb, and the cream will add richness. If the sauce looks too thick, add a little more water or cream. Stir well to combine everything smoothly. Additional seasonings to elevate the dish To make your pasta pop, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. A sprinkle of fresh oregano or thyme can also boost flavor. Taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Garlic powder or onion powder can add depth if you want more flavor without the fresh ingredients. Tips for using fresh vs. canned ingredients Fresh ingredients like spinach and garlic give bright flavors. However, canned tomatoes can save time and still taste great. If you use fresh tomatoes, peel and chop them before adding. If you have access to fresh herbs, use them instead of dried for a fresher taste. Just remember to adjust the amounts, as fresh herbs are often more potent. One-pot cooking advantages One-pot meals save time and reduce cleanup. Everything cooks together, letting flavors meld. This method is perfect for busy days. You can enjoy a full meal without washing multiple pots and pans. Plus, the pasta absorbs the delicious sauce as it cooks! Tools needed for easy prep and cleanup For this recipe, you need a large pot or deep skillet. A wooden spoon or spatula works best for stirring. Using a pot with a lid is key for steaming the pasta. A good cutting board and a sharp knife will help with chopping. Having a colander handy can help if you need to drain excess liquid in some variations. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish dairy-free. Simply swap heavy cream with coconut cream. This change keeps the pasta creamy while adding a hint of coconut flavor. It’s a fun twist that many enjoy. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pasta brands. Many now make great penne or fusilli. They cook well and taste just as good. Want to boost the protein? Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Each adds a tasty element and makes the dish heartier. Feel free to explore different veggies too. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can add color and flavor. Just chop them up and toss them in with the spinach. Pair your pasta with a fresh salad or crusty bread. A light salad can balance the richness of the dish. Bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. For leftovers, think outside the box! You could make a pasta bake. Just add some cheese and bake until bubbly. It's a great way to enjoy the dish again. To keep your creamy tomato spinach pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing. Store it in the fridge. This dish stays good for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. To reheat, the best method is on the stove. Pour the pasta into a pot and add a splash of water or cream. Heat it over low to medium heat, stirring gently until warm. This keeps the pasta creamy and smooth. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze this pasta if you want to save some for later. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. It’s best to freeze it within 1 day of cooking. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a pot with a little water or cream for the best texture. To make this pasta dish vegan, you can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream. This option gives you the same creamy texture without dairy. For cheese, simply skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative. You’ll still get a rich and tasty meal! Yes, you can use whole grain pasta. Just keep in mind that it may take a bit longer to cook. Whole grain pasta has a denser texture. Check the package for cooking time. This slight change can add more fiber to your dish. This pasta pairs well with a simple side salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a nice crunch. If you want something lighter, steamed veggies are a great choice. They add color and nutrients to your meal. The prep time is about 10 minutes. Cooking the pasta takes around 15 minutes. So, the total time is around 25 minutes. This makes it a quick and easy meal for busy days or when you want something tasty fast! This blog post covered a delicious pasta dish that's easy to make at home. We explored required and optional ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips to enhance flavor and texture. You also learned about variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. In the end, cooking doesn’t have to be hard. With simple steps, you can create a dish everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own! Happy cooking!

One-Pot Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

Enjoy a delicious and easy meal with this One-Pot Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor in no time. Sauté onions and garlic, combine with pasta, diced tomatoes, and fresh spinach, then finish with creamy richness. Perfect for busy weeknights! Click to explore the full recipe and make your dinner unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli)

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

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

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions
 

Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

    Add Tomatoes and Pasta: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with juices) and stir in the pasta, Italian seasoning, and enough water to just cover the pasta (around 3 cups). Bring the mixture to a boil.

      Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

        Incorporate Spinach and Cream: Stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream, mixing well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the cream is heated through.

          Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added richness.

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

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for an elegant touch.