Delicious Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delectable Tomato Spinach Pasta recipe. A symphony of flavors awaits as juicy sausage, fresh spinach, and velvety Parmesan mingle in a luscious tomato cream sauce. This dish has quickly become a staple in my household, loved by both kids and adults alike.

The magic happens when the pasta marries the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is a burst of savory goodness. The addition of vibrant spinach not only adds a pop of color but also a dose of nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or a make-ahead lunch option, this recipe is a true winner in both taste and convenience.

Whip up this Tomato Spinach Pasta with ease, customizing it with your favorite sausage style and pasta shape. Don’t forget to savor each bite of the creamy tomato sauce enriched with Parmesan and a hint of white wine. Perfect for those moments when you crave a hearty meal that’s quick, delicious, and sure to warm your soul.

Quick Benefits

• Satisfying and Comforting Meal: Perfect for when you crave something cozy and delicious that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.
• Nutritious and Colorful: The addition of fresh baby spinach not only adds vibrant color but also boosts the nutritional value of the dish.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe by choosing your preferred type of sausage and pasta shape, making it suitable for different tastes and preferences.
• Convenient Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe Recipe

• The combination of juicy sausage, fresh spinach, and Parmesan in a velvety tomato cream sauce creates a magical flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
• The sauce perfectly coats each strand of pasta, ensuring every bite is bursting with creamy, tangy, and savory flavors.
• This recipe is a quick and easy dinner option that the whole family will love, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave something cozy.
• The addition of fresh baby spinach not only adds vibrant color to the dish but also provides a nutritious boost.
• The flexibility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your preferences, whether you prefer mild, hot, or sweet sausage, or if you want to substitute different types of pasta shapes.
• Using quality ingredients like fresh-grated Parmesan, Mutti tomato paste, and a splash of dry white wine elevates the flavors of the dish.
• The option to use non-alcoholic wine or chicken broth as a substitute ensures that you can enjoy this delicious pasta dish even if you don’t have wine on hand.
• The tip to gently warm up leftovers to preserve the creamy sauce’s perfect consistency makes this recipe ideal for meal prep or enjoying the next day.

Ingredients for Delicious Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe

• 1/2 pound ground sausage.
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained.
• 2 tablespoons flour.
• 1 cup chicken broth.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced.
• 3 tablespoons butter.
• 1 cup heavy cream.
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan.
• 1 teaspoon honey.
• 1/2 cup dry white wine.
• 1/2 pound Mezzi Rigatoni.
• 2 teaspoons olive oil.
• 1/2 teaspoon each: onion powder, mustard powder, basil, oregano, parsley.
• 3 cups baby spinach.

Pro Tips for Delicious Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe

To make this Tomato Spinach Pasta even more flavorful, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a tangy or spicy kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of sausages to find your family’s favorite flavor profile – spicy Italian or chicken sausage can also work well in this dish. If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked sausage to cut down on cooking time without sacrificing taste.

For a lighter version of this comforting dish, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to reduce the calorie content while still maintaining a creamy texture. Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value of the dish. To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious meat-free alternative that’s just as satisfying.

How to Make Delicious Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Combine sauce ingredients and set aside.

Step 2: Step 02

Fry sausage in oil until cooked, then remove from the pan.

Step 3: Step 03

Pour wine into the pan and simmer until reduced by half.

Step 4: Step 04

Cook garlic for 1 minute.

Step 5: Step 05

Melt butter in a pan, then stir in flour and tomato paste.

Step 6: Step 06

Gradually pour in the sauce mixture while stirring.

Step 7: Step 07

Add the tomatoes to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer.

Step 8: Step 08

Cook pasta in boiling water until it is firm to the bite.

Step 9: Step 09

Stir in cream cheese into the sauce.

Step 10: Step 10

Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese.

Step 11: Step 11

Add spinach and cook until wilted.

Step 12: Step 12

Mix together the sausage and cooked pasta.

Storage Tips

To store the finished tomato spinach pasta, ensure it is cooled completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The pasta can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove over low heat to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.

For longer storage, you can freeze the tomato spinach pasta by placing it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw the pasta overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stove. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth while reheating to refresh the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick. Remember to give it a stir occasionally to ensure even heating throughout.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian option, you can swap out the sausage for plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or vegetarian sausage crumbles. These alternatives can still provide a meaty texture and flavor to the dish.

If you prefer a lighter version of the recipe, you can substitute the heavy cream with a mixture of half-and-half or whole milk and a tablespoon of flour for thickening. This swap will reduce the overall richness of the dish while still maintaining a creamy consistency.

If you don’t have fresh baby spinach on hand, you can use frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained well. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent the dish from becoming too watery. This substitution is convenient and still adds the nutritional benefits and vibrant color that spinach brings to the pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delectable tomato spinach pasta in individual baked pasta shells for a fun twist on a classic dish. Simply stuff the cooked pasta shells with the creamy tomato spinach mixture, top with extra Parmesan, and bake until bubbly and golden brown. The presentation is not only charming but also perfect for portion control.

For a more elegant presentation, serve the tomato spinach pasta in mini bread bowls. Simply hollow out small bread rolls, fill them with the pasta mixture, and sprinkle with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil before baking until the bread is crispy and the filling is heated through. Your guests will love the combination of flavors and the creative presentation of this comforting dish.

FAQs for Delicious Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use medium shells, rotini, or penne instead of mezzi rigatoni for this tomato spinach pasta recipe.

Why is honey added to the tomato cream sauce?

Honey is added to balance the acidity of the tomatoes without making the sauce overly sweet, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.

What is the best way to melt the Parmesan for this recipe?

For the best results, it’s recommended to grate fresh Parmesan from a block, as it melts better and provides the dish with the best flavor. You can melt it using the microwave’s melt setting or at 50% power, or use a makeshift double boiler.

Can I substitute the dry white wine in the recipe?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth, as it works perfectly well to achieve a similar depth of flavor in the tomato cream sauce.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to enjoy on a lazy Sunday, this Tomato Spinach Pasta is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. The creamy tomato sauce, savory sausage, and vibrant spinach create a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds singing with every bite.

Don’t be afraid to customize this recipe to suit your preferences – switch up the type of pasta, adjust the level of spice in the sausage, or add in extra veggies for a nutritious boost. Cooking should be a joyful experience, and this dish allows for plenty of creativity in the kitchen.

So next time you’re craving a comforting and delicious meal that comes together in no time, remember this Tomato Spinach Pasta recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have your loved ones coming back for seconds and asking for the recipe. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor the rewarding taste of this delightful dish!