Spinach pasta—oh, how it dances on the taste buds like a ballerina in a verdant meadow! It’s quick, it’s delicious, and it’s like the culinary equivalent of finding a $20 bill in an old coat pocket. Imagine the vibrant greens swirling with flavors, each bite a burst of rich, earthy goodness.
And hey, remember when everyone was baking sourdough during lockdown? Yeah, this is way easier and equally rewarding.
Steps
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook the pasta until it is tender, about 7-10 minutes, and drain it in a colander.
- While the pasta is cooking, dice the onion and mince the garlic. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat, then sauté the onion and garlic until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes along with their juices, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
- Incorporate the tomato paste and half a cup of water into the skillet, stirring until the tomato paste is fully blended into the sauce. Continue to cook over medium heat.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and add the cream cheese, cut into pieces, to the skillet. Whisk the sauce until the cream cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and gently stir until it wilts from the heat of the sauce, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine the drained pasta with the sauce in the skillet, stirring until the pasta is well coated. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta warm.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. penne pasta
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 oz. cream cheese
- 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 replace the cream cheese in the recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with a splash of half and half or heavy cream, around 1/4 cup, to achieve a similar creamy texture in the sauce.
- Is it possible to use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely. While the recipe uses regular pasta, you can opt for whole wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrients. Additionally, you can switch the pasta shape to varieties like bowtie or rotini.
- Can frozen spinach be used instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use about 8 oz. of frozen spinach that has been thawed and had its moisture squeezed out. This can be a cost-effective alternative when fresh spinach is more expensive.
- What are some good side dishes to pair with this pasta?
- Although the pasta can be a meal on its own, you might want to pair it with crusty garlic bread, no knead focaccia rolls, or a simple side salad. For added protein, consider serving it with garlic herb baked chicken breasts or browned Italian sausage cooked with the onions and garlic.
- Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
- Certainly. Sliced mushrooms would make a great addition. Just cook them with the onions and garlic at the beginning for extra flavor.
Tips
- If fresh spinach is unavailable or too expensive, consider using about 8oz of thawed frozen spinach. Ensure you squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce for the best results.
- To make the dish heartier, try adding some protein like Garlic Herb Baked Chicken Breasts or browned Italian sausage. Cook the sausage before adding the onion and garlic for extra flavor.
- If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, substitute it with a splash of half and half or heavy cream to achieve a similar creamy texture.
- Experiment with different pasta types. Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients, while other shapes like bowtie or rotini can offer a fun twist to the dish.
Equipment
- Large Stainless Steel Skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
