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1 photo There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta simmering on the stove while the kitchen fills with the scent of garlic and herbs. This Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne was born on one of those quiet evenings when everything felt heavy, and all I wanted was a warm meal that felt like care in a bowl. It’s the kind of recipe you make when you don’t want to overthink dinner, when you want something familiar but nourishing, rich yet balanced.
I remember making this after a long day, stirring the sauce slowly and watching the cream cheese melt into the tomatoes, transforming them into something velvety and calm. The spinach wilts gently, almost disappearing into the sauce, reminding me that simple ingredients can still feel generous. This dish doesn’t ask for perfection. It welcomes substitutions, shortcuts, and whatever you already have at home.
It’s the pasta you make for family dinners when everyone’s hungry, or for yourself when you need comfort without fuss. Every bite feels grounding, cozy, and dependable. This is one of those meals that quietly becomes part of your regular rotation, not because it’s flashy, but because it feels good to come back to again and again.
Who This Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne Is Perfect For :
Step 1 :
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions. I used my Calphalon Stainless Steel Stock Pot, but any large pot you already own works just fine.
Step 2 :
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 3 minutes until soft. I’m using a Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, but your everyday pan works perfectly.
Step 3 :
Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and gently stir in the cream cheese using a Cuisinart Silicone Spatula, letting it melt smoothly into the sauce.
Step 4 :
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Pour the sauce over the pasta and stir until evenly coated. Serve warm with fresh basil and cashew parmesan if you like.
Who This Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne Is Perfect For :
Kid-Friendly Appeal :
Soft penne pasta coated in a smooth, creamy tomato sauce makes each bite gentle and comforting
Mild herbs and balanced tomato flavor without heat or sharp spices
Spinach wilts down into the sauce, blending in easily for picky eaters
A familiar pasta dish that feels cozy and approachable for kids
Comfort-Food Lovers Benefits :
Creamy tomato sauce delivers rich, cozy satisfaction without feeling heavy
Warm garlic, herbs, and creaminess create a soothing, nostalgic flavor
Perfect for relaxing evenings, rainy days, or when you want a no-stress meal
Feels indulgent and comforting while still being wholesome
Busy-Life Adults Advantages :
Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish
Uses simple, everyday pantry ingredients
One pot for pasta and one skillet for sauce keeps cleanup minimal
Reheats beautifully for quick lunches or next-day dinners
Vegetarian & Plant-Based Friendly Appeal :
Naturally vegetarian and easy to keep fully vegan
Spinach adds nutrients and freshness without extra effort
Dairy-free cream cheese makes it creamy without compromising flavor
Ideal for meatless meals that still feel filling and satisfying
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Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne Everyone Will Love
This Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne is a comforting pasta dish made with crushed tomatoes, spinach, and dairy-free cream cheese. It’s rich, velvety, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner while still feeling indulgent and satisfying.
Creamy Tomato Spinach Penne Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Add cream cheese and mix until smooth.
- Combine sauce with pasta and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 420kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 14g22%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Sodium 620mg26%
- Potassium 780mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 58g20%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 9g
- Protein 13g26%
- Vitamin A 520 mcg
- Vitamin C 18 mg
- Calcium 120 mg
- Iron 4.2 mg
- Vitamin E 2.1 mg
- Vitamin K 95 mcg
- Thiamin 0.4 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 6.2 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.6 mg
- Folate 110 mcg
- Biotin 6 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1.2 mg
- Phosphorus 210 mg
- Iodine 18 mcg
- Magnesium 85 mg
- Zinc 2.1 mg
- Selenium 42 mcg
- Copper 0.3 mg
- Manganese 0.9 mg
- Chromium 18 mcg
- Molybdenum 34 mcg
- Chloride 520 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Substitutions
Use regular cream cheese if not dairy-free
Swap penne for rigatoni or fusilli
Serving ideas
Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad
Mistakes to avoid
Do not boil the sauce after adding cream cheese to prevent splitting
Chef tips
Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or milk
Q. Can I freeze this pasta?
Freezing is not recommended as the sauce texture may change
Q. Is this recipe spicy?
No, but you can add red pepper flakes if desired
