Creamy Tomato & Spinach Pasta

Ingredients:

1/2 lb penne pasta

1 yellow onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbs olive oil

1 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried basil

1 pinch crushed red pepper

1/2 tsp salt

black pepper, to taste

2 tbs tomato paste

2 oz cream cheese

1/4 cup grated parmesan

4 oz fresh spinach

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Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain the pasta in a colander.

2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy tomato sauce. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Add the onion, garlic, and olive oil to a large skillet and saute over medium heat until the onions are soft and translucent.

3. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), oregano, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine. Add the tomato paste and a 1/2 cup of water to the skillet and stir until the tomato paste has mixed into the sauce.

4. 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. Use a whisk to stir the sauce until the cream cheese has fully melted and the sauce in creamy. Add the parmesan to the skillet and stir until it is melted into the sauce.

5. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir into the sauce until it has wilted (2-3 minutes). Add the pasta and stir until everything is combined. Serve and enjoy!

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Recipe from: Budget Bytes