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In the realm of culinary experiences, few dishes evoke the same sense of warmth and satisfaction as a well-crafted pasta recipe. Among the myriad of options available, Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne Delight stands out as a quintessential comfort food that seamlessly blends rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. This delightful dish is not only a feast for the senses, but it also serves as a nutritious meal that can easily cater to a variety of dietary needs.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne Delight, a delicious pasta dish that beautifully blends rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. This recipe features perfectly cooked penne enveloped in a creamy tomato sauce, enhanced with fresh spinach and aromatic spices. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings, it's a nutritious meal that caters to various dietary needs. Dive into the world of flavors and learn how to create this culinary masterpiece at home!

Ingredients
  

12 oz penne pasta

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust for heat level)

3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Penne: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later.

    Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, just until fragrant.

      Add Tomatoes: Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes, stirring well. Add the Italian seasoning blend and red pepper flakes, if using, for a kick of heat. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.

        Create the Creamy Base: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the heavy cream, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.

          Incorporate Spinach: Fold in the chopped spinach leaves into the sauce. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and becomes tender, adding a lovely pop of color and nutrition.

            Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to ensure every piece is coated in the luscious creamy tomato-spinach sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

              Cheese It Up: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring until it melts and integrates smoothly into the dish, giving it a rich flavor boost.

                Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish and serve immediately. Enjoy your delightful creamy tomato spinach penne!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 30 min | Serves 4