When you’re in the mood for a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and delicious, this Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta Recipe with Shrimp or Chicken hits the spot. It’s a versatile dish that combines the richness of a creamy tomato sauce with the freshness of spinach, all mingling beautifully with your choice of succulent shrimp or tender chicken. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough to impress guests. Let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Boil a large pot of water and add penne pasta, cooking until tender (7-10 minutes). Drain the pasta in a colander once cooked.
- While the pasta cooks, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Sauté them in a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add canned diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet, along with dried oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Mix in tomato paste and 1/2 cup water to the skillet, stirring until the tomato paste is fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and add cream cheese cut into pieces. Whisk the sauce until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Stir in grated Parmesan until it melts into the sauce, then add fresh spinach and gently mix until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and stir until it is evenly coated with the creamy tomato sauce. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the pasta warm, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients
- 8 oz. penne pasta
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 oz. cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz. fresh spinach
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1237.72kcal | Carbohydrates: 216.6g | Protein: 46.12g | Fat: 23g | Sodium: 1395.6mg | Fiber: 23g
FAQ
- Can I substitute the cream cheese in the recipe?
- Absolutely! If cream cheese isn’t your preference, you can add about 1/4 cup of half-and-half or heavy cream to achieve a similarly creamy texture.
- Is it possible to use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta to increase the fiber and nutrient content, or substitute with another short pasta like bowtie or rotini.
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
- Certainly! If fresh spinach is too costly, you can use about 8oz of thawed frozen spinach, ensuring you squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the dish.
- What can I serve with Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta?
- This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can enhance your meal with sides like crusty garlic bread, no-knead focaccia rolls, or a simple side salad. For extra protein, consider adding garlic herb baked chicken breasts or browned Italian sausage.
- Can I add other vegetables to the pasta?
- Yes, sliced mushrooms make a great addition. Cook them with the onions and garlic at the beginning for added flavor and texture.
Tips
- For a richer creamy sauce, consider substituting cream cheese with either half and half or heavy cream, using about 1/4 cup to achieve a similar creamy texture.
- If you want to increase the nutritional value of the dish, opt for whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta, which adds extra fiber and nutrients.
- To incorporate frozen spinach, use about 8oz of thawed and well-drained spinach. This can be a cost-effective alternative to fresh spinach without compromising the taste.
- Enhance the flavor by adding cooked mushrooms to the dish. Sauté them with onions and garlic at the beginning for a more robust flavor profile.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
