This Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta is an easy vegetarian dinner made with tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, Parmesan, and a creamy tomato sauce. It’s comforting, colorful, and ready in about 30 minutes.
It’s a great recipe for busy weeknights because it uses simple ingredients and comes together in one skillet after the pasta is cooked. Serve it on its own or pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta
- Quick and easy: The entire meal can be ready in about 30 minutes.
- Vegetarian: A satisfying meatless dinner made with everyday ingredients.
- Creamy and flavorful: Tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan create a rich sauce.
- Full of vegetables: Fresh spinach and tomatoes add color and freshness.
- Perfect for weeknights: Minimal preparation makes this a convenient dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this creamy vegetarian pasta:
- Pasta
- Olive oil
- Fresh garlic
- Cherry tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Heavy cream
- Fresh spinach
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- Fresh basil or parsley
How to Make Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Tomatoes
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for several minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
3. Add the Garlic and Tomato Paste
Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute while stirring frequently, until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the tomato paste and cream combine into a smooth sauce.
Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 2–3 minutes. Avoid a rapid boil.
5. Add the Spinach
Add the fresh spinach a handful at a time and stir until it wilts into the sauce.
6. Add the Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
7. Combine With the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until completely coated in the creamy tomato sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
8. Garnish and Serve
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, then finish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Save the pasta water: The starchy water is useful for loosening the sauce without making it watery.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: It generally melts more smoothly into the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the spinach: Add it near the end so it stays vibrant.
- Keep the sauce at a gentle heat: Once the cream is added, avoid boiling it aggressively.
- Season at the end: Parmesan adds saltiness, so taste the finished sauce before adding extra salt.
Easy Recipe Variations
Add Mushrooms
Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the tomatoes for extra savory flavor and texture.
Add Broccoli
Cooked broccoli is an easy way to add another vegetable to the pasta.
Make It Spicy
Add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic for a spicy tomato cream sauce.
Try a Different Pasta Shape
Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle, or fettuccine can all work well with this creamy sauce.
What to Serve With Tomato Spinach Pasta
This pasta makes a satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
For an especially fresh meal, serve it with tomatoes, cucumber, leafy greens, and a light vinaigrette.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and enjoy within 3–4 days.
The sauce may thicken in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a small splash of water or milk and stir gently until creamy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw the spinach and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the sauce.
What pasta works best?
Penne and rigatoni are excellent choices because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well, but you can use your favorite pasta.
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Yes. Drained diced tomatoes can be used when fresh cherry tomatoes aren’t available, although the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
It is best served shortly after cooking, but leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a small splash of liquid.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta turns a handful of simple ingredients into a comforting vegetarian dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
With juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, Parmesan, and a creamy sauce coating every bite of pasta, it’s an easy recipe to add to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until smooth and allow the sauce to gently simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add the fresh spinach a handful at a time and stir until wilted.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
