Creamy Farfalle with Tomato & Spinach is a simple, comforting, and wholesome pasta dish. Fresh tomatoes, sweet onions, aromatic garlic, and fresh spinach are cooked down and mashed into a rustic homemade tomato base, then combined with rich cooking cream and melted mozzarella cheese.
Tossed with bow-tie farfalle pasta and garnished with fresh chopped parsley, this dish offers a perfect balance of tangy tomatoes, mild earthy spinach, and a smooth, velvety sauce. It comes together in under 20 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 3–4 portions
Ingredients
- 300g (10.5 oz) Farfalle pasta (boiled and drained)
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- ½ cup cooking cream (or heavy cream)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (divided)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh spinach leaves. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the vegetables are completely soft and tender.
3. Mash into a Rustic Sauce
Remove the lid. Using a potato masher or wooden spoon, mash the cooked tomatoes, onions, and spinach directly inside the pan until a smooth, chunky vegetable puree forms.
4. Add Seasoning and Cream
Season the vegetable puree with salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, and half of the chopped fresh parsley. Pour in the cooking cream and stir well over low-medium heat until fully blended.
5. Melt the Mozzarella
Add the shredded mozzarella cheese into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted, gooey, and incorporated into a creamy sauce.
6. Combine and Serve
Add the cooked farfalle pasta into the pan with the creamy sauce. Toss gently until every bow-tie pasta piece is thoroughly coated. (Splash in 1 to 2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce). Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and serve warm!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Mash thoroughly: Ensuring the tomatoes and onions are fully softened before mashing creates a smoother sauce base without large chunks.
- Save Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps the rich cream and cheese sauce cling tightly to the farfalle noodles.
- Keep Heat Low: Keep the flame on low when adding the cream and cheese to prevent the sauce from separating or boiling too vigorously.
Tasty Customization Ideas
- Add Vegetables: Sauté sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or sweet bell peppers along with the tomatoes.
- Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken breast strips, sautéed garlic shrimp, or sliced Italian sausage.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Creamy Farfalle with Tomato & Spinach hot alongside freshly grated Parmesan cheese, warm garlic bread, or a fresh Caesar salad!
