Inspired by: @iszy
Are you looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal that's both satisfying and packed with greens? This incredibly simple creamy vegan pasta recipe is your answer! It's designed for those busy days when you need a delicious meal on the table fast, using convenient frozen spinach and pantry staples.
This recipe solves the common dilemma of what to make when you have frozen spinach in the freezer and want to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without a fuss. It's also perfect for anyone seeking dairy-free pasta recipes or trying to enjoy a plant-based dinner that feels indulgent yet is genuinely easy to prepare. As iszy, the original author, shared, this creation came from a desire to use up leftover frozen spinach, leading to a delightful surprise: "I was so happy with the easy creamy pasta I made. It's a great option! Spinach is definitely becoming a freezer staple for me!" This sentiment is echoed by others who appreciated her culinary explorations, with one comment noting, "Your pinwheels look phenomenal! Thank you for sharing the recipe :-)." This adaptable recipe even found its way into a box of Annie’s mac and cheese for an extra pop of green!
Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a comforting and healthy dish that will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup Kite Hill whipped ricotta (or any preferred vegan ricotta/cream cheese alternative)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Garlic powder to taste (optional)
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
Equipment
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Large skillet or pan
- Strainer
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thawed and squeezed dry spinach and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until the spinach is heated through and the tomatoes begin to soften.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the Kite Hill whipped ricotta to the skillet with the spinach and tomatoes. Stir gently to combine.
- Gradually add the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, stirring constantly. This will help create a creamy sauce. Add enough water to reach your desired consistency – a little less for a thicker sauce, more for a looser one.
- Season generously with salt, black pepper, and optional garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy spinach and tomato sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting, dairy-free creamy pasta!
Variations & Adaptations
This recipe is incredibly versatile!
- Gluten-Free? Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Add Protein: Boost the nutritional content by adding cooked chickpeas, white beans, or sautéed tofu cubes.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a delightful kick.
- Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini while sautéing the spinach and tomatoes.
- Herb Garden Freshness: Finish with fresh basil, parsley, or oregano for an aromatic touch.
Tips & Hacks
- Squeeze Your Spinach: For the best creamy sauce, ensure your frozen spinach is thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry. Excess water can dilute your sauce and make it less rich.
- Pasta Water is Key: Don't skip reserving the pasta water! Its starchiness is what helps create that luscious, creamy texture without needing traditional dairy.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before mixing in the pasta. This allows you to adjust seasonings, especially salt and pepper, to perfection.
Related Articles
- Craving more creamy pasta? Discover our Next-Level Creamy Vegan Orzo for another rich, plant-based meal.
- Looking for another quick meal? Try this Easy Crispy Vegan Lentils and Rice for a satisfying and healthy option.
- Want to add more greens to your pasta? Explore our Delicious Dairy-Free Spinach Tofu Cannelloni for a hearty and flavorful dish.
- Love easy mac and cheese? Check out our Easy & Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese with Broccoli & Greens for another comforting classic.
Ready to try this simple yet sensational pasta? Give this recipe a go and share your delicious results on abillion! We can't wait to see your creamy creations.
