Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 16 oz | Penne pasta |
| 1 tbsp | Extra virgin olive oil |
| 1 | Onion, finely chopped |
| 1 clove | Garlic, minced |
| 2 tbsp | Butter |
| 2 tbsp | All-purpose flour |
| 3/4 cup | Half-and-half cream |
| 1 cup | Milk |
| 1 1/2 cups | Parmesan cheese, grated |
| 2 cups | Seasoned tomatoes (with basil, garlic & oregano), diced |
| 1 cup | Frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained |
| 1 tsp | Italian seasoning blend |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
Instructions
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Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
-
Prepare Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Saute until the onion becomes translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour until smooth, creating a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
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Thicken the Sauce: Gradually pour in the half-and-half cream and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (with juices) and thawed spinach to the sauce. Mix well to combine. Stir in the sauteed onion and garlic mixture.
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Heat Through: Cook the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
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Serve: Pour the creamy spinach tomato sauce over the warm cooked pasta. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 412.8
- Total Fat: 15.7g
- Saturated Fat: 8.4g
- Cholesterol: 39.7mg
- Sodium: 274.9mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 51.9g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.2g
- Sugars: 2.1g
- Protein: 16.5g
Recipe Notes
This Spinach Tomato Pasta is a delightful combination of creamy textures, savory flavors, and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests, it offers a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients. The seasoned tomatoes add depth while the spinach provides a nutritious boost. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, and pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
