Easy Creamy Tomato Pasta for Dinner

Why You'll Love This Easy Pasta Recipes For Dinner

• This creamy tomato pasta comes together in just 35 minutes, making it just right for a busy evening.
• Sweet tomatoes, tender spinach, and melted Parmesan create a comforting sauce with plenty of cozy flavor.
• The simple ingredients are family-friendly and easy to keep on hand.
• Reserved pasta water helps the sauce cling beautifully to every noodle.
• It is a warm, satisfying vegetarian dinner that feels special without being fussy.

Ingredients

Gather these simple kitchen staples, and you will have everything needed for a creamy, comforting pasta supper.

• Penne pasta - 12 ounces
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Yellow onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves - 3, minced
• Crushed tomatoes - 1 can, 28 ounces
• Dried Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Heavy cream - 1/2 cup
• Baby spinach - 1 cup
• Grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup
• Fresh basil - 2 tablespoons, chopped

How to Make Easy Pasta Recipes For Dinner

Set aside 10 minutes for prep and about 25 minutes for cooking. There is no extra resting time, so this cozy supper can go straight from the skillet to the table.

Step 1: Boil the Water

Bring a large pot of salted water to a full boil. Use enough water to give the penne room to cook evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook the penne according to the package directions until tender but still pleasantly firm. This keeps the noodles from becoming soft once they meet the sauce.

Step 3: Reserve Pasta Water

Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is a handy way to loosen the sauce later.

Step 4: Drain the Pasta

Drain the cooked penne in a colander. Let it sit briefly while you prepare the creamy tomato sauce.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. A wide skillet gives the sauce and pasta plenty of room to come together.

Step 6: Cook the Onion

Cook the chopped onion for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should become soft and lightly golden without browning too deeply.

Step 7: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Keep it moving so it becomes fragrant without burning.

Step 8: Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning

Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well so the seasonings are spread throughout the sauce.

Step 9: Simmer the Sauce

Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes over medium heat. This gives the tomatoes time to mellow and the flavors time to blend.

Step 10: Stir in Cream and Spinach

Stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach. Continue stirring until the spinach begins to wilt and the sauce turns wonderfully creamy.

Step 11: Add Pasta and Parmesan

Add the cooked penne and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. The warm pasta will help the cheese melt into the sauce.

Step 12: Toss the Pasta

Toss the pasta until the sauce coats the noodles evenly. Stir gently to keep the penne intact and well covered.

Step 13: Adjust the Sauce

Stir in a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning. Add only a little at a time until the sauce reaches a smooth, spoonable consistency.

Step 14: Garnish with Basil

Garnish the pasta with the chopped fresh basil. Serve while warm, with a little extra Parmesan if desired.

Recipe Snapshot

Pro Tips for Making Easy Pasta Recipes For Dinner

• Salt the pasta water before it boils so the noodles are seasoned from the inside out.
• Cook the penne just until tender, since it will continue cooking briefly in the warm sauce.
• Reserve the pasta water before draining so you have an easy way to adjust the sauce.
• Add the Parmesan while the pasta is warm so it melts smoothly into the creamy tomato sauce.
• Use fresh basil at the end for a bright, garden-fresh finish.

How to Serve Easy Pasta Recipes For Dinner

• Serve each bowl with a little extra grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves.
• Add a crisp green salad with a simple lemon dressing for a fresh contrast.
• Offer warm garlic bread or toasted bread to soak up every bit of creamy sauce.
• For a family-style meal, bring the skillet to the table and let everyone serve themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• Let leftover pasta cool slightly, then place it in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within 2 hours and enjoy within 3 to 4 days.
• Keep a little extra Parmesan or basil aside for serving after reheating.

Freezing

• For the best texture, freeze the tomato sauce separately from the pasta when possible.
• If freezing the completed dish, cool it fully and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

• Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low to medium heat.
• Add a splash of water or cream and stir occasionally until heated through.
• Reheat only the portion you plan to serve for the best texture.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

This creamy tomato pasta is the kind of easy dinner that brings everyone to the table with warm bowls, happy hearts, and very little fuss.

FAQs

Here are a few helpful answers for making this comforting pasta dinner.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes. Rotini, rigatoni, shells, or spaghetti can all work well. Choose a shape with ridges or curves to hold the creamy tomato sauce.

Can I make this pasta without spinach?

Absolutely. You can leave it out or replace it with chopped kale. Add kale a little earlier so it has enough time to soften.

How can I make the sauce less thick?

Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time while tossing the pasta. The starchy water loosens the sauce while helping it cling to the noodles.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce. Warm it gently with the tomatoes and avoid boiling the sauce vigorously after adding it.