Jazz-Inspired Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach
A smooth and creamy tomato basil pasta infused with fresh spinach, perfect for a soulful weeknight dinner that sings with flavor. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp optional red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Pour in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, stir to combine, and let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Step 5: Add 4 cups fresh spinach and 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, cooking for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 6: Toss the drained pasta into the sauce along with 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Stir vigorously for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and the sauce clings to every piece of pasta.
- Step 7: Serve immediately garnished with extra basil or parmesan if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Jazz-Inspired Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Jazz-Inspired Creamy Tomato Basil 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 penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Jazz-Inspired Creamy Tomato Basil 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 Jazz-Inspired Creamy Tomato Basil 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.
Is Jazz-Inspired Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta with Spinach vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
