Name: Quick Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 8 oz angel hair pasta; 14.5 oz tomatoes; 2 cups baby spinach leaves; ½ cup sour cream; 1 tbsp basil pesto

This pasta recipe is a luscious blend of creamy spinach and tangy tomatoes tucked into tender angel hair pasta. It's a quick and easy meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need a comforting dish. The basil pesto infuses the dish with a rich, herby flavor that complements the acidity of the tomatoes.

Photos of Quick Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta Recipe

The ingredients required for this recipe are usually found in most supermarkets. However, you might need to seek out the basil pesto, as it is not a staple in every household. It can typically be found in the pasta sauce aisle. If you can't find it, consider making your own with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta Ingredients

Angel hair pasta: Thin strands of pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs sauce well, making it ideal for this creamy dish.

Tomatoes: Provide a tangy flavor that contrasts with the rich and creamy elements of the dish.

Baby spinach leaves: Wilting down during cooking, these leaves add a fresh and nutritious element to the pasta.

Sour cream: Brings a creamy and tangy flavor, enhancing the texture and taste of the pasta sauce.

Basil pesto: Adds a rich, deep flavor that brings the whole dish together.

One reader, Josefa Elkins says:

This quick creamy spinach and tomato pasta recipe is a game-changer! It's so easy to make and tastes absolutely divine. The creamy sauce with the tangy tomatoes and fresh spinach creates a perfect harmony of flavors. It's become my go-to dish for a satisfying and delicious meal. Highly recommend!

Josefa Elkins

Essential Techniques for Making Creamy Pasta Dishes

How to cook pasta: Boil a large pot of lightly salted water and add the pasta, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.

How to make the creamy sauce: Combine the tomatoes and spinach in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the spinach begins to wilt, stir in the sour cream and pesto until well combined.

How to toss the pasta with the sauce: Add the drained pasta to the creamy sauce, toss until well coated, and serve immediately.

How To Make Quick Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta

Serve an easy, satisfying meal with this tomato pasta that’s tossed with spinach in an earthy pesto sour cream sauce. This dish is ready in just 20 minutes!

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8ozangel hair pasta
14.5oztomatoes,(1 can), diced
2cupsbaby spinach leaves
½cupsour cream
1tbspbasil pesto,prepared

Instructions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until tender. Drain.
While waiting for the pasta, combine the tomatoes and spinach in a saucepan over medium heat. When the spinach begins to wilt, stir in the sour cream and pesto.
Toss the sauce with drained pasta, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 299.62kcal
Fat: 8.09g
Saturated Fat: 3.68g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.59g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.65g
Carbohydrates: 47.68g
Fiber: 3.23g
Sugar: 5.07g
Protein: 9.25g
Cholesterol: 15.28mg
Sodium: 68.50mg
Calcium: 65.85mg
Potassium: 438.43mg
Iron: 1.31mg
Vitamin A: 117.21µg
Vitamin C: 15.74mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting quick creamy spinach and tomato pasta recipe

To ensure your pasta is cooked to perfection, it's important to stir it occasionally while it's boiling. This prevents the pasta from sticking together and allows it to cook evenly. Additionally, for a creamier sauce, you can reserve some of the pasta water before draining. Adding a little of this starchy water can help thicken your sauce and make it cling to the pasta better.

Time-Saving Tips for quick creamy spinach and tomato pasta recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, measure ingredients, and prepare anything that can be done in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.

Use kitchen tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, blenders, and slow cookers to simplify meal preparation.

Batch cooking: Cook large quantities of food at once and freeze individual portions for quick and easy meals later.

Plan your meals: Create a weekly meal plan and grocery list to ensure you have all the ingredients on hand, saving time and reducing food waste.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes and save time on improvisation.

Clean as you go: Wash dishes, utensils, and countertops while cooking to minimize post-meal cleanup.

Organize your kitchen: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily find ingredients and cooking tools, saving time during meal preparation.

Label and store: Properly label and store leftover ingredients for future use, reducing food preparation time for subsequent meals.

Substitute Ingredients For Quick Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta Recipe

angel hair pasta - Substitute with spaghetti: Spaghetti is a suitable substitute for angel hair pasta as it is also a thin pasta and will work well with the creamy spinach and tomato sauce.
tomatoes - Substitute with canned diced tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes, providing a similar flavor and texture to the dish.
baby spinach leaves - Substitute with kale leaves: Kale leaves can be used as a substitute for baby spinach, offering a slightly heartier texture and a similar earthy flavor to the dish.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream, providing a creamy and tangy element to the dish while also adding a boost of protein.
basil pesto - Substitute with sun-dried tomato pesto: Sun-dried tomato pesto can be used as a substitute for basil pesto, offering a rich and flavorful alternative that complements the creamy spinach and tomato pasta dish.

How to Beautifully Present This Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta

Elevate the plating: Present the pasta in a shallow bowl, ensuring the pasta is evenly distributed and the sauce is drizzled over the top, creating an appealing visual presentation.
Garnish with fresh basil: Sprinkle freshly torn basil leaves over the pasta to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate a touch of elegance: Place the pasta on a white, fine china plate to create a sophisticated and refined presentation.
Consider the use of edible flowers: Introduce a delicate touch by adding edible flowers as a garnish, such as nasturtium or pansies, for a visually stunning and gourmet touch.
Utilize a pasta nest: Create a nest of pasta using tongs to add height and dimension to the dish, providing an eye-catching and elegant presentation.
Add a sprinkle of parmesan: Grate a small amount of high-quality parmesan cheese over the pasta just before serving to enhance the visual appeal and add a touch of luxury to the dish.
Emphasize the contrast of colors: Arrange the pasta and sauce in a way that highlights the vibrant green of the spinach against the rich red of the tomatoes, creating a visually striking and appetizing dish.
Consider the use of a pasta mold: Use a ring mold to shape the pasta into a neat, compact form, allowing for a more structured and refined presentation on the plate.
Incorporate a drizzle of olive oil: Finish the dish with a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil to add a glossy sheen and a touch of sophistication to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making quick creamy spinach and tomato pasta recipe

Large pot: A large pot is essential for boiling the pasta.
Saucepan: A saucepan is used to cook the tomatoes and spinach for the sauce.
Colander: A colander is needed to drain the cooked pasta.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for stirring the sauce and pasta.
Serving bowl: A serving bowl is required for presenting the finished dish.

Storing and Freezing Tips for Creamy Pasta Dishes

To store leftover quick creamy spinach and tomato pasta, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating refrigerated pasta, add a splash of water or milk to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Heat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
To freeze the pasta, transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy the frozen pasta, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or milk to help revive the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through.
For best results, consume frozen and reheated quick creamy spinach and tomato pasta within 1-2 months for optimal flavor and texture. After this time, the pasta may become slightly mushy, and the sauce may separate or lose its creaminess.

The Best Ways to Reheat Leftover Pasta

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover pasta to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the pasta and prevents it from drying out.
For a quicker option, you can reheat the pasta in the microwave. Place the leftover pasta in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of water or chicken broth to help keep the pasta moist. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated through.
If you prefer a slightly crispy texture, you can reheat the pasta in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the leftover pasta and toss it in the skillet for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
For a more flavorful twist, you can add some fresh baby spinach leaves and halved cherry tomatoes to the pasta while reheating it in the skillet. This will give the dish a burst of fresh flavor and added nutrition.
If you find that the sauce has thickened up too much after refrigeration, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of heavy cream, milk, or pasta water while reheating the pasta. This will help to restore the creamy consistency of the sauce.

Surprising Facts About Spinach and Tomato Pasta

Angel hair pasta is a type of pasta that is very thin and delicate, making it a great choice for quick and easy meals.

Budget-Friendly: Is This Pasta Recipe Economical?

The cost-effectiveness of this quick creamy spinach and tomato pasta recipe is quite favorable for a household. The ingredients are relatively affordable and readily available, making it a budget-friendly option. The combination of tomatoes and spinach provides essential nutrients, while the addition of sour cream and basil pesto enhances the flavor profile. With an approximate cost of $10, this recipe offers a satisfying meal for a family of four. The overall verdict rates this recipe at 8 out of 10 for its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious taste.

Is This Creamy Pasta Dish Healthy or Not?

This recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-rich ingredients like spinach and tomatoes, which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Spinach is an excellent source of iron, calcium, and vitamin K, while tomatoes offer vitamin C and lycopene. The recipe also uses a moderate amount of pasta, which can be a source of complex carbohydrates for energy.

However, there are some areas where the recipe could be improved:

The sour cream adds saturated fat and calories to the dish
The pesto likely contains a significant amount of oil, which can contribute to a higher calorie count
The recipe doesn't include a protein source, which is important for a balanced meal

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace the sour cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, to reduce the saturated fat content
Use a smaller amount of pesto or opt for a homemade version with less oil to control the calorie count
Add a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, to make the meal more balanced and satisfying
Increase the amount of spinach or add other vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, to boost the nutrient content further
Choose whole grain pasta instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber content and provide more sustained energy

Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Pasta Recipe

This quick creamy spinach and tomato pasta recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of angel hair pasta provides a delicate base for the creamy sauce, while the tomatoes and spinach add freshness and color. The sour cream and basil pesto create a rich and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. This dish is a perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Enhance Your Quick Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a savory garlic parmesan topping.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender carrots glazed with a delicious honey and butter mixture, perfect for balancing out the creamy pasta dish.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Juicy and flavorful chicken marinated in a zesty lemon herb sauce, adding a protein-packed element to the meal.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Pasta Dish

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: This classic Italian dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This healthy and colorful salad features a mix of roasted vegetables, fluffy quinoa, and a zesty vinaigrette for a refreshing and nutritious dish.

Berry Crumble: Indulge in the sweet and tart flavors of fresh berries topped with a buttery crumble topping for a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for quick creamy spinach and tomato pasta recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with savory stuffed mushrooms filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. These bite-sized appetizers are perfect for any gathering and will leave everyone wanting more.

Bruschetta: Serve up a classic Italian appetizer with a twist by topping crispy baguette slices with a variety of fresh and vibrant toppings. From juicy tomatoes and basil to creamy mozzarella and balsamic glaze, bruschetta is a versatile and delicious starter for any meal.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Berry Parfait: Layered with fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and a crunchy granola topping, this berry parfait is a delightful and refreshing treat. It's a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of fruits in a light and satisfying dessert.

Why trust this Quick Creamy Spinach and Tomato Pasta Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any pasta lover. The use of fresh baby spinach and tomatoes ensures a burst of vibrant flavors and essential nutrients. The addition of sour cream lends a creamy richness, while the basil pesto infuses the dish with aromatic herbaceous notes. The quick preparation time and simple steps make it an ideal choice for busy individuals seeking a satisfying meal. Trust in the harmonious blend of ingredients and the ease of preparation for a delightful dining experience.

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FAQ:

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

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. The recipe works well with penne, fettuccine, or any other pasta shape you enjoy.

Can I substitute the sour cream with another ingredient?

Absolutely! You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or with heavy cream for a richer flavor.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. However, if you want to make it vegan, you can use a dairy-free sour cream alternative or omit the sour cream altogether.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Of course! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can be added to this dish to add protein and make it a more filling meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.