Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta: Recipe Repertoire

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion

3 garlic cloves

28 ounces diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 pinch red pepper flakes

fresh ground pepper, to taste

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons tomato paste

4 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)

1 lb whole wheat penne pasta

9 ounces fresh spinach

Directions:

1 Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.

2 Add the pasta and cook until tender (5 to 7 minutes). Drain the pasta in a colander.

3 While waiting for the pasta to cook, dice the onion and mince the garlic.

4 Cook both in a large skillet with the olive oil over medium-low heat until softened and transparent, (about 5 minutes).

5 Add the diced tomatoes with juices, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper to the skillet with the onions and garlic.

6 Stir to combine. Add the tomato paste and a cup of water to the skillet and stir until the tomato paste is dissolved into the sauce.

7 Turn the heat down to low. Cut the cream cheese into a few pieces and then add them to the skillet with the tomato sauce.

8 Use a whisk to stir the sauce until the cream cheese has fully melted in and the sauce is creamy.

9 Add the fresh spinach and gently stir it into the sauce until it has wilted (3 to 5 minutes). Add the pasta and stir until it is well coated with the creamy tomato sauce.

10 Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, with parmesan cheese (optional).