Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

In just 30 minutes, you can have this Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta. It’s spicy, garlicky, rich and savory! 

Besides being a total soupaholic, I’m also die-hard pasta lover! It’s one food I just can’t live without. It’s easy to make, comforting and satisfying!

I’m from Long Island where there is literally an Italian restaurant around every corner (no matter where you are). Pizza, garlic knots, pasta, and subs were always a short drive/walk away. How could anyone resist?

I have lots of fond memories attached to Italian-style food, so I make it often. Some of my favorites are this Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, Pasta in White Wine Sauce, Fettuccine Alfredo, Penne Alla Vodka,  Pasta Caprese and this Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta.

Oh, and there’s lots more to come so stay tuned!

Here’s what you’ll need: (full amounts in recipe card below)

Penne pasta
Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Tomato paste
Red chili flakes
Oregano
White wine
Diced tomatoes
Vegetable broth
Salt & pepper
Vegan cream cheese
Vegan parmesan
Fresh spinach

If you don’t have homemade or store-bought vegan parmesan, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast instead (more if preferred). You can also swap out the vegan cream cheese for vegan sour cream. Either one will make the sauce super creamy.

I like to use low sodium broth, so I can control the salt taste. Some broths are too salty and can ruin a good recipe. If you would like to use a regular broth, make sure to cut down the added salt in the recipe.

* Not all wine is vegan and may contain egg whites. However, there are many vegan varieties to choose from. Here is a vegan wine directory.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Place pasta in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water and cook until al dente. This usually takes about 9-11 minutes, but go according to package directions. Now drain well and set aside.

Heat up the olive oil over medium heat. When heated, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent. Usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Now add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly brown. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Now stir in the tomato paste, crushed red pepper, oregano and cook for 1-2 minutes. Move everything around the pan to prevent burning.

Add the white wine and turn heat up to medium-high to simmer. Once it’s simmering turn heat back to medium and cook wine down. Should take about 2-3 minutes.

Now add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and cracked pepper. Lightly simmer for 5-6 minutes until liquid reduces a little bit. Stir in the vegan cream cheese and parmesan. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until it’s slightly wilted.

Now add cooked & drained pasta to the pan. Gently toss to coat. Warm pasta in sauce for a few minutes (*only if needed).

Otherwise, remove from heat and serve immediately. Top with cracked pepper, fresh-cut basil, and vegan parmesan.

Enjoy! 

I’d love to hear from you

If you make this Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta, let me know what you think by ★ star rating it and leaving a comment below. It would really make my day. You can also follow me on Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @veganhuggs and hashtag #veganhuggs so I don’t miss it.

4.5 from 2 votes

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Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

In just 30 minutes, you can have this Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta. It’s spicy, garlicky, rich and savory!

Course: Dinner, Entree

Recipe Type: Gluten-Free Option, Vegan

Servings: 5

Calories: 460 kcal

Author: Melissa Huggins

Ingredients

• 16 oz penne pasta (GF if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion , diced
• 4 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes * optional
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 26 oz pak/can diced tomatoes
• 3/4 cup vegetable broth , low sodium
• 3/4 teaspoon sea salt , more to taste
• Fresh cracked pepper , to taste
• 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese , softened (sub vegan sour cream)
• 1/4 cup vegan parmesan (sub 2-3 tablespoons nutritional yeast)
• 2 cups (heaping) fresh spinach

Instructions

1. Place pasta in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water. Cook until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside. 

2. Heat up oil over medium heat. When heated, add onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. 

3. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until lightly brown. * Stir often to prevent burning. 

4. Now stir in the tomato paste, crushed red pepper, oregano and cook for 1-2 minutes.

5. Add wine and turn heat up to medium-high to simmer. Once simmering turn heat back to medium. Cook wine down, about 2-3 minutes. Stir often.

6. Add the tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Lightly simmer for 5-6 minutes until liquid reduces a little bit.

7. Stir in the vegan cream cheese and parmesan. Keep stirring until melted and combined. 

8. Add the fresh spinach and cook until it's slightly wilted, about 2-3 minutes. 

9. Now add the pasta to the pan and gently toss to coat. (*For saucier pasta, don't add the full pound) Warm pasta in sauce for a few minutes only if needed). Otherwise, remove from heat and serve immediately. *Top with fresh-cut basil, cracked pepper, and vegan parmesan. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

* Timing: I like to start the sauce around the same time as the pasta. This way the pasta isn't sitting too long, and it will be hot & fresh when it goes into the sauce. * If pasta is taking longer than expected and your sauce is done, turn the heat on low or remove and cover for a few minutes. This will prevent the sauce from burning.

 

Nutrition Facts

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Amount Per Serving

Calories 460 Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 13g 20%

Saturated Fat 3g 15%

Sodium 571mg 24%

Potassium 1110mg 32%

Total Carbohydrates 64g 21%

Dietary Fiber 8g 32%

Sugars 7g

Protein 15g 30%

Vitamin A 183.1%

Vitamin C 51.9%

Calcium 17.8%

Iron 30.8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.