Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

This recipe is definitely a keeper. It cooks up quickly (perfect for weeknights) and is mostly made up of ingredients you'll likely already have on hand. (Just make sure to pick up a bag of spinach at the grocery store so that you can give this one a try!)

Beginning to end, this recipe takes about 25 minutes. Dinner in less than a half hour? Indeed! 

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 large onion, minced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1, 15 oz can diced tomatoes

1, 15 oz can tomato sauce

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp salt

pepper to taste

1, 6 oz can tomato paste

1 cup pasta water, reserved

4 oz cream cheese, cubed

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1 lb penne pasta

1, 9 oz bag fresh spinach

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, add onion, garlic, and olive oil to a large skillet. Saute over medium-low heat until onion is transparent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices, tomato paste, and reserved pasta water. Stir until tomato paste is dissolved.
4. Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Whisk to incorporate. Continue to whisk until cheeses are melted.
5. Add fresh spinach and stir into sauce until it has wilted, about 5 minutes.
6. Add drained pasta and stir until well coated.