Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta
An Italian-style creamy pasta with garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan. A quick meatless meal for weeknights or lunch.
By TastyTrails Kitchen ยท Published ยท Updated
Jump to RecipeThis Italian-style creamy pasta combines garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, cream, and Parmesan for a fast, comforting dish. It is not a traditional Roman pasta, but a familiar Italian-American style cream sauce tossed with pasta and finished with basil.
This version works because the tomatoes are cooked just enough to soften and release their juices before the cream goes in, which keeps the sauce balanced instead of heavy. Reserve a little pasta water before draining; it helps the sauce coat the pasta smoothly.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (170 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water, as needed
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions, usually 9-12 minutes; reserve 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the pasta water, then drain.
- 2
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant but not browned.
- 3
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and some of their juices release into the pan.
- 4
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer for 1-2 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan, salt, and black pepper until the cheese melts and the sauce looks smooth.
- 5
Add the spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until just wilted. If the sauce looks very thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- 6
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss over low heat for 1-2 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce clings to them. Add a little more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- 7
Remove from the heat and let the pasta stand for 1 minute so the sauce settles. Serve hot, topped with basil and extra Parmesan if you like.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta
- Salt the pasta water well; it is the main chance to season the pasta itself.
- Do not boil the cream hard after adding the Parmesan, or the sauce can turn grainy. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
- Finely grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than coarse shreds. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce slightly clumpy.
- If the sauce tightens as it stands, loosen it with a tablespoon or two of hot pasta water.
- For a stronger tomato flavor, let the tomatoes cook until a few begin to collapse before adding the cream.
- You can prep the garlic, tomatoes, and spinach a day ahead and refrigerate them separately to speed up dinner.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce. This dish is not ideal for freezing, since cream sauces can separate after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For better texture, use half-and-half or simmer whole milk a little longer and add the Parmesan gradually.
What pasta shape works best for creamy tomato spinach pasta?
Fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, and fusilli all work well. Long noodles give a more classic creamy texture, while short shapes catch the tomatoes and spinach nicely.
Can I make this pasta ahead?
It is best freshly made, since cream sauces thicken as they sit. If making ahead, undercook the pasta slightly and reheat with a splash of liquid before serving.
Why is my cream sauce too thick or too thin?
If it is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it coats the pasta. If it is too thin, simmer the sauce briefly before adding the pasta, or add a bit more Parmesan.
Quick Info
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
15 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
