15-Minute Spinach Cheese Pasta

This speedy spinach cheese pasta delivers all the creamy comfort and bold flavor you crave in a single pot—no need to plan ahead or spend hours in the kitchen. In just 15 minutes you get mozzarella bubbling through a lush tomato sauce, generous green spinach, and pasta perfectly coated and ready to twirl. Weeknight hunger meets its match with this one and you can play with whatever noodles or cheese you have on hand for maximum flexibility.

I remember the first time I made this on a hectic weeknight I was so worried it would not be enough for everyone but it was such a hit that every plate was empty and my whole family was smiling over cheesy stretchy bites.

Ingredients

• Pasta of your choice: This makes up the main part of the dish Choose something with grooves or twists like penne or fusilli to catch more sauce Always check the ingredient list for durum wheat for a springy texture
• Olive oil: This creates a base and helps carry the aromas of garlic and onion Extra-virgin is best for flavor and a hint of fruitiness
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic transforms the whole dish with classic Italian aroma Choose plump cloves with tight skins
• Onion: Finely diced onion brings a mellow sweetness Pick firm onions with shiny skins
• Canned crushed tomatoes or tomato passata: This is your fast sauce A quality brand without additives gives deep red color and rich taste
• Tomato paste: A spoonful adds sweetness and tomato punch Look for bright red paste with no bitterness
• Dried oregano: Essential for that nostalgic Italian taste Test to be sure your herbs still smell strong
• Red chili flakes: Add heat if you want spice Use fresh flakes and add to taste
• Salt and black pepper: Do not skip seasoning Taste as you cook and season in layers
• Fresh spinach leaves: Brings color and nutrition to the bowl Choose crisp vibrant leaves with no soggy spots
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey ribbons through the pasta Use whole milk mozzarella for the best stretch
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Sharpens up the whole dish Always opt for a wedge to grate yourself if possible
• Fresh parsley: Brightens everything up right at the end Go for flat leaf and chop just before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a fast rolling boil This step flavors the pasta from the inside Drop in your pasta and stir for a few seconds so nothing clumps Cook until just al dente which keeps it tender yet firm Drain the pasta and save about half a cup of water in case you need to loosen your sauce

Sauté the Aromatics:

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat Add the diced onion and let it cook slowly for about three minutes stirring so it gets soft but does not turn brown Add the minced garlic and cook only until its scent becomes vivid which takes about thirty seconds You do not want to brown the garlic or it may turn bitter

Build the Tomato Sauce:

Pour in the canned tomatoes and add the tomato paste dried oregano chili flakes salt and black pepper Stir until blended Let the mixture simmer uncovered for four or five minutes so the sauce thickens and all flavors come together If it thickens too quickly pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water and stir smooth

Add Spinach:

Scatter your spinach leaves over the bubbling sauce Let them wilt down for about one minute Stir gently to keep them bright and just soft They should keep their color and cook quickly from the steam alone

Combine Pasta and Cheese:

Tip the drained hot pasta into your skillet with the sauce Mix until each piece is coated well Add your mozzarella and Parmesan cheese at this stage Stir well until the cheeses melt into strings and the pasta starts to look creamy The carryover heat does the magic here

Serve:

Spoon the glossy cheesy pasta into warm bowls Top with extra parsley and more cheese if desired Serve immediately while everything is still piping hot and stretchy

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My favorite part is seeing the mozzarella pull into long delicious strands My son is always fishing for the spots with extra cheese and sometimes we race to see who finds the gooiest bite first

Storage Tips

Stash leftovers in a tightly sealed container in your refrigerator You will get the best result if you reheat over low heat on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce The cheese blends back in smoothly with gentle stirring If you have extra sauce use it on a rice bowl or bake with vegetables for another meal

Ingredient Substitutions

If you run out of mozzarella try using fontina provolone or a mild gouda and the dish will still be delicious No fresh spinach Just use two handfuls of frozen spinach thawed and squeezed dry Gluten free pasta or whole wheat varieties will still work Black olives or capers can add salty pop if you like more complexity

Serving Suggestions

A bowl of this pasta is great on its own but for a bigger meal set out crusty bread to soak up that last bit of sauce Serve with a crisp side salad tossed with balsamic vinegar or fresh lemon juice For topping pass a bowl of extra grated Parmesan and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for a subtle crunch

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Cultural Context

Dishes like this have roots all across classic Italian home cooking especially in quick weeknight meals When time is short but comfort is needed the combination of tomato cheese and pasta is like a universal Italian hug The use of lots of greens elevates the dish from simple to soulful without extra effort

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just thaw and drain frozen spinach well before adding it to the sauce to avoid too much liquid.

→ Which pasta shapes work best?

Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or spaghetti are all great as they hold the sauce well. Use your favorite or what you have.

→ How can I make it creamier?

Stir in a couple tablespoons of heavy cream before adding the pasta for a velvety texture and richer flavor.

→ Can I add protein?

Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp, or crisp bacon work perfectly for a heartier main dish. Add when mixing in the pasta.

→ What cheese alternatives can I use?

Provolone, gouda, or cheddar bring new flavors if mozzarella is not available. Mix and match your favorites.