Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and full of fresh flavor, you’re going to want to stick around for this Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe. It’s one of those magic meals that only needs a single pan, comes together in about 30 minutes, and somehow tastes like you spent hours simmering a gourmet sauce. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a go-to whenever you want comfort with a healthy twist.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe is in the simplicity and accessibility of its ingredients. You’ll get a lovely balance of fresh veggies, herbs, and a velvety sauce that you can easily customize. I find that using quality olive oil and fresh spinach really lifts the whole dish.

• Tagliatelle nests (or spaghetti): Fresh nests cook perfectly in the sauce and save time compared to loose pasta.
• Cherry tomatoes (red + yellow): Halved for bursts of sweet, juicy flavor that brighten the creamy sauce.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for gentle sweetness without overpowering the sauce.
• Fresh spinach: Adds a vibrant green color and a mild earthiness that pairs wonderfully with tomato.
• Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes: Gives the base sauce rich tomato flavor with a smooth texture.
• Tomato paste (optional but recommended): A little boost of concentrated tomato depth that really amps up the richness.
• Garlic cloves: Thinly sliced to infuse the sauce with warm, aromatic notes.
• Dried oregano and basil: Classic herbs that bring out the best in Italian-inspired dishes.
• Chili flakes (optional): If you like a hint of heat, this adds a lovely background kick.
• Plant-based cream (like oat cream) or heavy cream: For a luscious, velvety finish that binds everything together.
• Vegetable broth: Helps cook the pasta while adding subtle flavor.
• Olive oil: More than just cooking fat, it gives the dish a silky mouthfeel and richness.
• Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the ingredients to life.

Variations

I love how flexible this Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe is—once you get the basics down, you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or pantry. Here are a couple of my favorite variations that you might want to try too:

• Adding Protein: When I want to bulk it up, I toss in cannellini beans or chickpeas for extra fiber and protein. It’s filling and still keeps the recipe vegetarian-friendly.
• Switching Greens: If you don’t have spinach, kale or Swiss chard works great. Just add a minute or two earlier since those greens are a bit tougher.
• Spicy Kick: I’ve played around with fresh chili or more chili flakes when I’m craving something with more heat – perfect for winter evenings.
• Dairy-Free Options: Using oat cream or coconut cream instead of dairy cream keeps it vegan without losing any creaminess.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients Beautifully

This is where the magic starts. Grab your largest pan and place your pasta nests right in the center. Then, spread the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, garlic cloves, and fresh spinach evenly around the pasta. Dollop spoonfuls of tomato puree and the optional tomato paste on top—the key is to layer the flavors before adding any liquid. Drizzle everything with olive oil to help meld the ingredients as they cook. This layered arrangement helps the pasta cook evenly and soak up those gorgeous flavors.

Step 2: Season Things Up

Sprinkle your dried oregano, basil, chili flakes if you like, plus salt and pepper right over the top. This way, the seasoning infuses the sauce fully as it simmers. I always recommend tasting right before serving, because sometimes I need a pinch more salt or pepper at the end.

Step 3: Pour in the Cream and Broth

Now, pour your plant-based cream and vegetable broth into the pan, covering most of the pasta. This is the cooking liquid that softens the pasta and turns everything into a creamy sauce. Make sure not to add too much liquid—you want the pasta mostly submerged but not swimming.

Step 4: Cook Covered and Stir Occasionally

Put the lid on and bring everything to a boil over medium heat. Then reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 11–13 minutes. Stir gently every few minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick and cooks evenly. You’ll know it’s ready when the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened nicely—a sign the pasta has absorbed all those tomato and herb flavors.

Step 5: Uncover and Finish Thickening

Remove the lid and stir the pasta well to make sure all the sauce coats every strand. Let it cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes if the sauce still feels a bit thin. This step is great for getting that perfectly creamy, clingy texture that I absolutely love about this Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Dish it up straight from the pan, and I like to finish it with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, a little vegan parmesan if you have it, or even just a light drizzle of olive oil. Each of these adds a lovely fresh touch and depth that makes the dish feel restaurant-worthy.

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, I keep it simple and flavorful. Fresh basil adds a bright herbal note, while vegan parmesan gives a salty, cheesy counterpoint without overpowering the creaminess. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving seals the deal with a rich, silky finish.

Side Dishes

This pasta holds its own beautifully, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is also an easy side that helps scoop up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this pasta in shallow bowls with edible flowers sprinkled on top, paired with a glass of chilled white wine. Another fun way is to serve it alongside roasted vegetables arranged colorfully on a platter for a vibrant, inviting meal presentation that always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always like to let the pasta cool completely before sealing to help maintain texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, but I prefer eating this dish fresh because the cream sauce can sometimes separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, portion it out in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through—you want to avoid drying out the pasta or burning the sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe has become one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. I absolutely love how the fresh tomatoes and greens balance with the rich creaminess, and that it all comes together in one pan makes cleanup a breeze. Honestly, I’m always thrilled when I get to share this with friends because it’s proof you can have something quick, comforting, and totally delicious. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did.

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