CREAMY TOMATO AND SPINACH PASTA

Easy wins again! I am on day 6 of an 8 day work week, so that means two things: I am exhausted and I'm hungry. Speedy pasta dishes such as this Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta are fantastic for an occasion. They leave me feeling happy and full, cook up and need only a few ingredients! :-RRB-

Anyhow, tomorrow is Monday (again) and the week will be long, so I expect this recipe helps make dinner time a little quicker, easier, and more enjoyable for you this week! Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 lb penne pasta ($0.89)
• 1 small onion ($0.25)
• 2 cloves garlic ($0.16)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.16)
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes ($0.59)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano ($0.03)
• 1/2 tsp dried basil ($0.03)
• pinch red pepper flakes (optional) ($0.02)
• 1/2 tsp salt ($0.03)
• freshly cracked pepper to taste ($0.05)
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste ($0.11)
• 2 oz cream cheese ($0.48)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan ($0.42)
• 1/2 9 oz. bag fresh spinach ($0.50)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender (7-10) minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander.
2. When waiting for the pasta to cook, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Cook both in a large skillet with the olive oil over medium-low heat until softened and translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and some freshly cracked pepper to the skillet with the garlic and onions. Stir to combine. Add a 1/2 cup of water and the tomato paste into the skillet until the tomato paste is dissolved into the sauce and stir fry.
4. Turn down the heat to low. Cut the cream cheese and add them. Use a whisk to stir the sauce until the cream cheese has melted in and the sauce is creamy. Add half the Parmesan until it's melted in and whisk. Add the rest of the parmesan and whisk until melted in again.
5. Add the fresh spinach and stir it in the sauce until it has wilted (3-5 minutes). Add the pasta till it's well coated in the tomato sauce and stir fry. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Serve warm.