30-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A velvety tomato pasta sauce with fresh spinach—ready in 30 minutes and loved by kids who prefer mild, comforting flavors over spicy or complex dishes. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, heavy cream for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 8 oz spaghetti and cook 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add 1 cup marinara sauce and 1/2 cup heavy cream; stir to combine and simmer 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup fresh spinach until wilted and tender (about 1 minute), then add drained spaghetti, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 tsp dried basil; toss until pasta is evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: If sauce is too thick, add 2-3 tablespoons reserved pasta water while tossing until creamy and glossy.
  5. Step 5: Cook 1 more minute until heated through and sauce coats the pasta evenly, then serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does 30-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover 30-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in 30-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale 30-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with 30-Minute Creamy Tomato Pasta with Spinach?

Italian kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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