Creamy Spinach & Tomato Pasta

Date night at home! If you are anything like my husband and I then you would rather stay home than go out on a crowded night. We like to stay in and have a nice meal in the comfort of our own home, in sweatpants- of course. Pasta comes to mind when I think about a nice meal. This is such a perfect date night in dish, because it’s quick, easy, and simple yet seems fancy. Have a glass of Cab with it and you have got yourself a perfect date night in!

This pasta is simple but packed with flavor from the tomatoes, garlic, and pesto. It’s so so creamy but doesn’t feel so heavy when eating. I made it a little spicy, but you can of course cut back on the spice according to your taste. Also if you have left overs, then reheat it in a pan and add milk so it is not so dry. Hope you all will enjoy your date night in with this pasta! Don’t forget to tag me @zheelicious if you make this. 🙂

Stay happy, stay hungry!

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 box pasta of choice, (I used penne)
3 tomatoes, chopped
10 cloves garlic, sliced
1 tsp thai chilies, crushed
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp pesto (optional)
2 cups milk, warm
½ cup half n half (can use milk instead)
2 cups baby spinach
2 tbsp red crushed pepper
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried oregano
½ cup pasta water (the water your pasta cooked in)
Black pepper to taste
Salt to taste
Handful of cheese (optional)

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to the packaged direction.
In a pan heat some oil, add garlic slices and saute for about a minute. Add thai chilies, tomato paste and cook for another minute.
Add tomatoes cook until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Add all the spices, then slowly add the milk and half and half. Keep mixing the sauce, it should get a bit thicker.
Add in the cooked pasta along with the pasta water.
Add in the spinach, mix everything really well. Add cheese if using. Turn off the stove.
Enjoy hot!