Name: Creamy Pasta Tomato
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons finely minced shallot; 1 large garlic clove, finely minced; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes; 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar; ⅛ teaspoon cane sugar; Pinch of dried oregano; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes; ¼ cup raw cashews; ½ tablespoon tomato paste; ¼ cup water; ¼ cup pasta water; ¼ to ½ teaspoon sea salt; 10 ounces rigatoni pasta; Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling; 2 medium zucchini, sliced into thin half moons; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 2 (14-ounce) cans Mutti Cherry Tomatoes, drained; 6 cups spinach or mix of spinach & arugula; ¼ cup chopped parsley or sliced basil; Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Pasta Tomato is a delightful dish that brings together the freshness of veggies with a rich and smooth sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. This recipe is friendly for vegetarians and can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables, making it versatile and satisfying.

How to Make Creamy Pasta Tomato

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons finely minced shallot
1 large garlic clove, finely minced
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 (14-ounce) can chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
⅛ teaspoon cane sugar
Pinch of dried oregano
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
¼ cup raw cashews
½ tablespoon tomato paste
¼ cup water
¼ cup pasta water
¼ to ½ teaspoon sea salt
10 ounces rigatoni pasta
Extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
2 medium zucchini, sliced into thin half moons
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 (14-ounce) cans Mutti Cherry Tomatoes, drained
6 cups spinach or mix of spinach & arugula
¼ cup chopped parsley or sliced basil
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

Make the Marinara Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a small pot over low heat. Add the shallot, garlic, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring often. Add the chopped tomatoes and their juices, balsamic vinegar, cane sugar, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the marinara to a blender with the cashews, tomato paste, sea salt, and ¼ cup of water. Blend until smooth, then set aside until ready to use. Before serving, stir in ¼ cup of hot pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water. Add the rigatoni and cook according to package directions or until al dente.
Cook the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat some olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini, thyme, and pinches of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 3 minutes until lightly browned.
Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Stir in the drained cherry tomatoes, reduce heat to low, and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated. Add the spinach and gently toss until it wilts.
Combine Everything: Scoop the pasta into individual bowls, add creamy sauce, and toss to coat. Distribute the veggies, and top with parsley or basil. Season to taste and serve.

How to Serve Creamy Pasta Tomato

Serve Creamy Pasta Tomato warm in bowls. You can add a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil on top for added flavor. A sprinkle of freshly grated cheese or more herbs like basil or parsley will also enhance the dish’s taste and presentation.

How to Store Creamy Pasta Tomato

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a saucepan over low heat while adding a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain creaminess.

Tips to Make Creamy Pasta Tomato

Use fresh herbs for a more robust flavor.
If you want extra protein, consider adding beans or cooked chicken.
Experiment with different pasta shapes or seasonal vegetables you have on hand.

Variation

You can swap the rigatoni with any pasta you like, such as penne or spaghetti. For a different flavor profile, add some spices like Italian seasoning or even some capers for a briny touch.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?

Yes, you can use soaked sunflower seeds or almonds if you prefer. They will give a slightly different flavor but still add creaminess.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, Creamy Pasta Tomato is vegan since it uses plant-based ingredients.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.