This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is made with 5 simple ingredients. All you need is pasta, veggies, tomato sauce and milk. It is the perfect weeknight dinner recipe. This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is made in 30 minutes or less and can be prepared ahead of time so all you have to do is bake it when you are ready to eat.
This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta recipe is gluten-free, and vegetarian. It can easily be made vegan, low fat and low carb.
why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy to make: This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta recipe is so easy to make, even beginner cooks can master it.
- Quick to make: This recipe can be made in 30 minutes or less, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Minimal ingredients: This recipe only requires four ingredients: gluten-free pasta, eggplant, zucchini, and tomato sauce or marinara sauce.
- You can also add milk or plant-based milk to make the sauce creamier.
- You can use any dairy free or low fat milk you want.
- Packed with veggies: This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta recipe is packed with nutrient-rich vegetables, such as eggplant and zucchini.
- The vegetables used in this recipe are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great addition to any healthy diet.
- Easy to meal prep: This recipe is easy to meal prep, making it a great option for busy weeks. Simply cook a double batch of the pasta and vegetables on the weekend, then divide them into individual containers. During the week, simply heat up the pasta and vegetables and add them to the sauce to make a quick and easy meal.
- Easy for a quick weeknight dinner: This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- It is easy to make, quick to cook, and packed with nutrients.
- Gluten-free: This recipe is gluten-free, making it a great option for people with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Simply use gluten-free pasta and be sure to check the labels of all of the other ingredients to make sure they are gluten-free.
ingredients & substitutions
Gluten-free pasta
Gluten-free pasta is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find it to your liking. It is also available with a variety of ingredients, such as brown rice and quinoa.
In this recipe, gluten-free pasta is used to make the dish gluten-free. However, you can use regular pasta if are not gluten free and you do not have gluten-free pasta on hand.
Eggplant
Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that can be enhanced by cooking. Eggplant is a good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
In this recipe, eggplant is used to add flavor and texture to the dish. It is also a good source of fiber and nutrients.
If you do not have eggplant, you can substitute another vegetable, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a summer squash that has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Zucchini is also low in calories, making it a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight.
In this recipe, zucchini is used to add flavor and texture to the dish. It is also a good source of fiber and nutrients.
If you do not have zucchini, you can substitute another vegetable, such as eggplant, bell peppers, or mushrooms in this Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta.
Tomato sauce or marinara sauce
In this recipe, tomato sauce or marinara sauce is used to add flavor and moisture to the dish. If you do not have tomato sauce or marinara sauce, you can make your own by blending fresh tomatoes with garlic, onion, and herbs.
Tomato sauce and marinara sauce are both made from tomatoes, but they have different flavors and textures. While tomato sauce is typically thicker and has a sweeter flavor, marinara sauce is thinner and has a more savory flavor.
Milk or plant-based milk
In this recipe, milk or plant-based milk is used to make the sauce creamier. You can use any type of milk or plant-based milk that you prefer.
If you do not have milk or plant-based milk, you can leave it out and the recipe will still be delicious. However, the Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta will not be as creamy.
taste & texture
This creamy tomato and spinach pasta has a rich, savory flavor and a smooth, velvety texture. The eggplant and zucchini add a touch of sweetness and earthiness to the dish, while the spinach adds a pop of freshness. The sauce is slightly thickened by the milk or plant-based milk, but it is still light and refreshing.
directions
Step 1
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the eggplant and zucchini and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 2
In a 8×8 baking dish, add the tomato sauce or marinara sauce and the milk. Add the pasta. Stir to combine.
Step 3
Add the vegetables.
Step 4
Cover and bake for 20-25 minutes until warm.
Step 5
Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
expert tips & tricks
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta before serving.
- If you want a creamier sauce, add a splash of coconut milk, coconut cream, heavy cream or half-and-half.
- If you don’t have gluten-free pasta, and are not gluten free, you can use regular pasta. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions.
- If you don’t have eggplant or zucchini, you can use other vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots.
- If you don’t have tomato sauce or marinara sauce, you can make your own by blending roasted tomatoes with garlic, onion, and herbs.
how to make this lower carb
To make the Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta low carb, you can use low carb pasta or cauliflower based pasta instead of the regular pasta. You can also omit the milk or plant-based milk, or use a low carb milk alternative.
how to make this low fat or healthier
To make the Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta low fat, you can use a low fat milk or plant-based milk. You can also omit the cheese, or use a low fat cheese alternative.
how to make this vegan
To make the Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta vegan, you can use a vegan tomato sauce or marinara sauce. You can also use a vegan milk alternative, such as oat milk.
how to serve, store and meal prep
This creamy tomato and spinach pasta can be served on its own or with a side salad or gluten free bread. When ready to serve, simply divide the pasta into individual bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese or dairy free, if desired.
To store the Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta in the fridge, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To store the pasta in the freezer, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
When reheating the Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta, you can either microwave it or heat it up in a saucepan on the stovetop. To microwave the pasta, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. When heating up the pasta on the stovetop, place it in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.
To meal prep the pasta in individual portions, simply divide the cooked pasta into individual containers. Then, add the sauce to each container and stir to combine. You can also add other toppings, such as grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs. Store the containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To prepare the Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta beforehand just make the pasta according to my recipe directions, add the vegetables and sauce. Store in the fridge until you are ready to heat. Then warm up in the oven.
you may also like
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free pasta cooked for half the suggested time
- 1 eggplant peeled and cut into 1/2″ cubes
- 1 zucchini cut into 1/2″ cubes
- 2 cups of tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup any milk or plant based milk
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the eggplant and zucchini and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a 8×8 baking dish, add the tomato sauce or marinara sauce and the milk. Add the pasta.
- Stir to combine.
- Add the vegetables.
- Cover and bake for 20-25 minutes until warm.
- Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Leave a Reply