Tomato Spinach Pasta

Featured in Simple Healthy Meals.

Whipped up this pasta last night when I needed some comfort food. Browned some sausage then made a quick tomato cream sauce. Threw in handfuls of spinach right at the end. The pasta soaked up all that creamy sauce and the parmesan made it extra rich. Kids kept stealing bites while I was cooking. Had enough for lunch today and it was even better. Perfect for when you want something cozy that doesnt take forever.
Mina cooking in her kitchen
Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 18:08:31 GMT
A close-up bowl of rigatoni pasta mixed with tomato sauce, sautéed spinach, and pieces of ground meat, topped with grated cheese. Pin it
A close-up bowl of rigatoni pasta mixed with tomato sauce, sautéed spinach, and pieces of ground meat, topped with grated cheese. | lastminrecipes.com

The Most Amazing Tomato Spinach Pasta

This tomato spinach pasta has become my family's favorite comfort meal. The combination of juicy sausage fresh spinach and Parmesan in that velvety tomato cream sauce is pure magic. I love how the sauce hugs every bit of pasta creating the perfect bite every time.

Why This Tomato Spinach Pasta Makes Everyone Happy

The beauty of this pasta dish is how it brings together creamy tangy and savory flavors in every forkful. The fresh spinach adds such beautiful color while the sausage makes it hearty and satisfying. It's my go to recipe when I need a quick dinner that everyone will love plus it heats up beautifully the next day.

What You'll Need

  • Sausage: Pick your favorite style mild hot or sweet they all work great.
  • Tomato Cream Sauce: The perfect blend of cream tomato paste and fresh Parmesan.
  • Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds color and goodness.
  • Pasta: I love how the sauce clings to mezzi rigatoni or penne.
  • Wine: Just a splash of dry white makes everything taste better.

Let's Cook Together

Start With Sausage
Brown it up nice and golden then deglaze your pan with wine to catch all those flavors.
Create Your Sauce
Cook your garlic in butter add flour and tomato paste then build your creamy sauce.
Make It Special
Stir in your Parmesan let that spinach wilt down then add back your sausage.
Bring It Together
Toss your pasta in that amazing sauce until every piece is perfectly coated.
A creamy pasta dish with rigatoni, sausage, spinach, and tomatoes topped with grated cheese in a large pot. Pin it
A creamy pasta dish with rigatoni, sausage, spinach, and tomatoes topped with grated cheese in a large pot. | lastminrecipes.com

My Pasta Secrets

Always grate your own Parmesan it melts so much better than pre grated. I swear by Mutti tomato paste for the best flavor. No wine? Chicken broth works perfectly too. This pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for a few days just warm it gently to keep that creamy sauce perfect.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of wine works best?

Dry whites like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc work well. Non-alcoholic wine or chicken broth can substitute.

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, medium shells, rotini, or penne work great instead of rigatoni.

→ Why add honey to the sauce?

Honey balances the acidity of the tomatoes without making the sauce sweet.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Use microwave's melt setting or 50% power. A makeshift double boiler also works well.

→ Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Fresh-grated Parmesan from a block melts better and provides the best flavor.

Tomato Spinach Pasta

A comforting pasta dish featuring a creamy tomato sauce, Italian sausage, fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Mina

Category: Healthy Eating

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings (1 pan)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 cup heavy cream.
02 1 cup chicken broth.
03 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
04 1 teaspoon honey.
05 1/2 teaspoon each: onion powder, mustard powder, basil, oregano, parsley.
06 2 teaspoons olive oil.
07 1/2 pound ground sausage.
08 1/2 cup dry white wine.
09 3 tablespoons butter.
10 3 cloves garlic, minced.
11 2 tablespoons flour.
12 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
13 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained.
14 3 tablespoons cream cheese.
15 3/4 cup grated Parmesan.
16 1/2 pound Mezzi Rigatoni.
17 3 cups baby spinach.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix sauce ingredients, set aside.

Step 02

Cook sausage in oil, remove when done.

Step 03

Add wine to pan, reduce by half.

Step 04

Add garlic, cook 1 minute.

Step 05

Melt butter, add flour and tomato paste.

Step 06

Slowly add sauce mixture, stirring.

Step 07

Add tomatoes, bring to boil then simmer.

Step 08

Cook pasta separately until al dente.

Step 09

Add cream cheese to sauce.

Step 10

Stir in Parmesan gradually.

Step 11

Add spinach, let wilt.

Step 12

Combine with sausage and pasta.

Notes

  1. Use block Parmesan for best melting.
  2. Tub cream cheese melts better than block.
  3. Any pasta shape works well.
  4. Honey balances tomato acidity.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Pasta pot.
  • Measuring cup.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream, cheese).
  • Wheat (pasta, flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 584
  • Total Fat: 35 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 24 g