Quick Creamy Tomato & Spinach Pasta with Ricotta

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta: A Cozy Weeknight Delight

Imagine a bowl of comforting goodness: Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta, swirled with ribbons of your favorite pasta shape. This dish features a lusciously smooth tomato sauce, enriched with tender spinach and dolloped with creamy ricotta for a touch of luxuriousness. A satisfying and quick-to-prepare meal, perfect for a cozy weeknight indulgence or a simple yet elegant lunch. The creamy tomato sauce, wilted spinach, and dollops of ricotta cheese create a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion.

This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is a perfect example of a simple yet elegant meal. The creamy tomato sauce is rich and flavorful, while the wilted spinach adds a touch of freshness and nutrition. The dollops of ricotta cheese provide a creamy texture and a subtle tang that perfectly complements the tomato sauce. It’s a recipe that’s both satisfying and surprisingly quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a simple yet impressive lunch. The dish is easily customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to your preference. The versatility makes it perfect for a mid-week meal or a more elegant lunch setting.

Simple Elegance: Quick and Satisfying Pasta Perfection

This recipe proves that delicious and satisfying meals don't have to be complicated or time-consuming. This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is a testament to the power of simple, fresh ingredients. The creamy texture of the sauce is achieved with minimal effort, creating a rich and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a light yet satisfying lunch. It’s a recipe that’s both easy to execute and incredibly delicious, proving that simple can indeed be elegant. The versatility of this dish allows for customization based on individual preferences and dietary needs, making it a truly adaptable and pleasing recipe.

Recipe: Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Servings:

4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini recommended)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce / 800g) can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 5 ounces (140g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup (240ml) of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Wilt Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add a little pasta water if needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
7. Serve: Serve immediately, topped with dollops of ricotta cheese, extra grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves (if desired).

Expert Tips & Variations:

• Use cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes.
• Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese.
• Add protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Approximately 500 calories, 25g protein, 60g carbohydrates, 20g fat. (This is an estimate, excluding optional toppings).

Serving Suggestion:

Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.

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This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is a comforting and delicious meal perfect for a cozy night in. Try this recipe and share your culinary creations with us! Share your photos on social media using #creamypasta. For more delicious and inspiring recipes, visit our website: https://flavortrailrecipes.blogspot.com/