How To Make Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe
How To Make Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by All Wings Everything on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $12.39 total, $3.10 per serving
Ingredients
- 17 oz Penne Pasta (dry, uncooked)
- 4 cups Chicken Stock (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (full‑fat for richness)
- 5 oz Fresh Spinach (washed and trimmed)
- 1 cup Sun‑Dried Tomatoes (oil‑packed, drained)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (use the oil from the sun‑dried tomatoes for extra flavor)
- 0.33 cup Tomato Paste (canned)
- 1 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (optional for heat)
- 5 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 0.25 cup Fresh Basil (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Measure all ingredients, chop the medium onion, mince the garlic, shred the Parmesan, and roughly chop the fresh basil.
Time: PT10M
Sauté Onion
Heat the large pot over medium‑high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil, then add the chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns lightly golden.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Add Garlic and Sun‑Dried Tomatoes
Add the minced garlic and the drained sun‑dried tomatoes to the pot. Stir constantly and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Incorporate Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the raw flavor to disappear.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Build the Sauce Base
Slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring, then add the heavy whipping cream, kosher salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes. Mix until fully combined.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium heat
Cook the Pasta in Sauce
Add the penne pasta to the pot, reduce heat to medium‑low, and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. The pasta should be about 75 % done.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium‑low heat
Wilt Spinach and Add Basil
Add the fresh spinach and chopped basil to the pot. Cook, stirring, until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium‑low heat
Finish with Parmesan
Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes glossy. Turn off the heat.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Transfer the creamy tomato spinach pasta to a serving bowl, garnish with a little extra Parmesan if desired, and enjoy.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Penne Pasta: Rigatoni, Fusilli, Ziti
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Vegetable Stock, Water with bouillon
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: Half‑and‑Half, Coconut Cream (non‑dairy)
- Instead of Fresh Spinach: Baby Kale, Arugula
- Instead of Sun‑Dried Tomatoes: Roasted Red Peppers, Regular Tomatoes (fresh)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
- Instead of Olive Oil: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Crushed Tomatoes
- Instead of Red Chili Flakes: Cayenne Pepper
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Basil: Dried Basil (1 tsp)
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Table Salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White Pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Grater
- Ladle (optional)
- Serving Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté Onion until lightly golden
- Do not burn the garlic when adding sun‑dried tomatoes
- Stir frequently while pasta cooks to prevent sticking
- Wilt spinach properly; add liquid if needed
- Incorporate Parmesan off the heat for a smooth sauce
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use the oil from the sun‑dried tomatoes for an extra depth of flavor.
- Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water; the starch helps bind the sauce.
- Add fresh basil at the very end to preserve its bright aroma.
- Grate Parmesan directly into the pot for a smoother melt.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water, stock, or a little milk to loosen it.
Pasta is undercooked.
Continue simmering uncovered, stirring, and add a bit more stock if the sauce dries out.
Spinach does not wilt.
Cover the pot for a minute to trap steam, or add a tablespoon of water.
Garlic tastes bitter.
Garlic may have burned; lower the heat and add garlic after the onion is softened next time.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months, but texture may become softer; reheat gently with added liquid.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the sauce (steps 2‑5) up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate; reheat and add pasta when ready.
- Cook the pasta al dente, drain, toss with a little oil, and store separately; combine with sauce just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of creamy tomato spinach pasta in Italian cuisine?
Creamy tomato‑based pasta dishes trace back to Southern Italy where tomatoes and dairy were combined to create comforting sauces. Adding spinach reflects the Italian tradition of incorporating seasonal greens for nutrition and flavor.
What are the traditional regional variations of tomato‑spinach pasta in Italy?
In the Lazio region, a similar dish uses ricotta instead of heavy cream, while in the South, olive oil and chili flakes are emphasized. Some regions also add anchovies or capers for a briny twist.
How is creamy tomato spinach pasta traditionally served in Italian households?
It is typically served hot, topped with a generous shaving of Parmesan and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil, accompanied by crusty bread and a simple green salad.
What occasions or celebrations is creamy tomato spinach pasta associated with in Italian culture?
The dish is popular for family weeknight meals, casual gatherings, and even as a first‑course (primo) during festive holidays when a quick yet satisfying pasta is needed.
What makes creamy tomato spinach pasta special in Italian cuisine?
The balance of tangy tomato, rich cream, and fresh spinach creates a comforting yet bright flavor profile that showcases the Italian love for simple, high‑quality ingredients.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy tomato spinach pasta?
Common errors include burning the garlic, letting the sauce dry out before the pasta finishes cooking, and adding the Parmesan too early, which can cause a grainy texture.
Why does this recipe use heavy whipping cream instead of milk for the sauce?
Heavy cream provides the necessary fat content to create a silky, rich sauce that clings to the pasta, whereas milk would result in a thinner, less luxurious texture.
Can I make creamy tomato spinach pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently, add a splash of stock or water, then stir in freshly cooked pasta before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the pasta is done?
The pasta should be al dente—firm to the bite—while the sauce is glossy, coating each piece. The spinach should be wilted but still vibrant green, and the cheese should be fully melted.
What does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything specialize in?
The YouTube channel All Wings Everything, hosted by Spinelli, focuses on Southern‑style comfort foods, creative wing recipes, and easy‑to‑follow home‑cooking tutorials that blend classic flavors with modern twists.
How does the YouTube channel All Wings Everything's approach to Italian‑inspired dishes differ from other cooking channels?
All Wings Everything brings a Southern comfort‑food mindset to Italian‑inspired recipes, emphasizing bold flavors, simple pantry staples, and a relaxed, personable teaching style that makes classic dishes feel approachable for everyday cooks.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
