Pasta with Spinach Recipe

I just finished making this incredible Pasta with Spinach Recipe, and I have to tell you – it’s become my absolute go-to weeknight dinner! After testing this dish multiple times in my kitchen, I’ve discovered the perfect balance of creamy tomato sauce and fresh spinach that makes every bite satisfying. 

The best part about this recipe is how it transforms simple pantry staples into something that feels restaurant-quality. I love how the cream cheese melts into the tomato base, creating this velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully. Trust me, once you try this version, you’ll never want to go back to plain pasta again!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pasta with Spinach Recipe

To make this pasta shine, I always choose the freshest and best-quality ingredients I can find. Using fresh produce and good cheese makes all the difference in both flavor and texture.

• ½ lb penne pasta: Short pasta shapes work best because they hold the creamy sauce better than long noodles
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Sweet onions add depth without overwhelming the tomato flavor
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor; avoid pre-minced versions
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use good quality olive oil for better taste
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes work wonderfully if you want to splurge
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Italian oregano has the most authentic flavor
• ½ teaspoon dried basil: Fresh basil can be substituted using 1 tablespoon
• ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Adjust to your heat preference
• ½ teaspoon salt: Sea salt or kosher salt works best
• ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Pre-ground pepper loses its punch
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: This intensifies the tomato flavor significantly
• ½ cup water: Helps blend the tomato paste smoothly
• 2 oz cream cheese, cubed: Room temperature cream cheese melts easier
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Never use pre-grated; fresh tastes infinitely better
• 4 oz fresh baby spinach: Avoid frozen spinach as it releases too much water

Note: This recipe serves 4 people generously as a main dish.

Variations

There are so many ways to make this pasta your own! Here are some easy swaps and additions to fit different diets and flavor preferences.

• Dairy-Free Version: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Protein Additions: Brown Italian sausage, diced chicken breast, or shrimp with the onions for a heartier meal.
• Vegetable Boost: Add sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or zucchini when sautéing the onions.
• Spice it Up: Include sun-dried tomatoes, fresh chili flakes, or a splash of red wine for extra flavor depth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta shape, ensuring you adjust cooking time according to package directions.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes 
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets and just a handful of basic kitchen tools to pull this comforting meal together with ease.

• Large pot for boiling pasta water
• Medium to large skillet for making the sauce
• Colander for draining pasta
• Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
• Cutting board for prep work
• Whisk for blending cream cheese into sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons for accurate portions

How to Make Pasta with Spinach Recipe?

Follow these straightforward steps. You’ll have a creamy and flavorful pasta dinner ready in no time, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.

Prepare the Pasta Base

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. The pasta should have a slight bite to it since it will continue cooking briefly in the sauce. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid can help adjust your sauce consistency later.

Build the Flavor Foundation

While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to let it brown. This aromantic base creates the foundation for all the flavors that follow.

Create the Tomato Sauce

Add the diced tomatoes with their juices to the skillet, followed by oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the tomato paste and water, mixing everything until the paste dissolves completely. Let this mixture simmer for 5-6 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should reduce slightly and develop a rich, concentrated tomato flavor.

Add the Creamy Elements

Reduce heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese to the tomato mixture. Use a whisk to stir constantly until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Sprinkle in the fresh Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and well incorporated. The sauce should now have a beautiful peachy-pink color and velvety texture.

Incorporate Spinach and Pasta

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and gently stir until it wilts down, which takes about 2-3 minutes. The spinach will reduce significantly in volume, so don’t worry if it seems like too much at first. Finally, add your drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until every piece is well coated with the creamy sauce.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Take your pasta with spinach to the next level! Try these tips from my own kitchen experiments to make this dish even more delicious and tailored to your taste.

• I’ve learned that letting the cream cheese come to room temperature first makes it blend much more smoothly into the sauce without any lumps
• When I want extra richness, I add a splash of heavy cream along with the cream cheese for an even more luxurious texture
• I always taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust the seasoning, especially salt and pepper, to match my preference
• If I’m feeling fancy, I like to finish the dish with a drizzle of good olive oil and some fresh basil leaves for extra flavor
• I’ve discovered that adding a pinch of sugar helps balance the acidity if your tomatoes are particularly tart
• For meal prep purposes, I slightly undercook the pasta since it will continue cooking when reheated

How to Serve Pasta with Spinach Recipe?

This pasta looks absolutely stunning when served in warmed bowls with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top. I love adding a few turns of freshly cracked black pepper and a drizzle of quality olive oil for that restaurant finish. Fresh basil leaves make a beautiful garnish and add a pop of bright green color against the creamy orange sauce.

For a complete meal, serve this pasta alongside garlic bread and a simple Caesar salad. The crispy bread helps soak up any extra sauce, while the fresh salad provides a nice contrast to the rich, creamy pasta. You can also pair it with a glass of Pinot Grigio or Chianti for an elevated dining experience.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this satisfying pasta dish:

• Calories: 420 per serving
• Protein: 16g from pasta, cheese, and spinach
• Carbohydrates: 58g primarily from pasta and tomatoes
• Fat: 14g from olive oil, cream cheese, and Parmesan

Make Ahead and Storage

If you love having homemade meals ready to go, you’ll appreciate how easy this pasta is to store and reheat. Whether you plan on meal prepping or saving leftovers, this dish maintains its great flavors and creamy texture for days.

Refrigerator Storage: This pasta keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop and improve after sitting overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.

Freezing Guidelines: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. I recommend freezing individual portions in freezer-safe containers for easy single servings.

Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or pasta water to restore the creamy consistency. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This pasta with spinach recipe hits all the right notes for busy home cooks who don’t want to compromise on flavor.

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
• Budget-Friendly: Costs less than takeout while feeding the whole family generously with wholesome ingredients
• Nutritionally Balanced: Combines vegetables, protein, and carbs in one satisfying dish that feels indulgent but includes healthy spinach
• Versatile Base: Works perfectly as-is for vegetarians or easily adapts with your favorite protein additions like chicken or sausage
• Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to both adults and kids with its creamy, mild flavor that’s not too adventurous but still sophisticated enough for company