Pasta Roni: You Ain't Seen Nothin Yet!

Who here eats Pasta Roni?  Don't be afraid- raise your hands.

We too used to eat Pasta Roni, Rice a Roni, Farmhouse pastas etc but I drew the line at Hamburger Helper.  Somehow I thought Pasta Roni was SO much better for you then Hamburger Helper...BWHAHAHA.

So here's the deal.  These boxed pasta mixes are NOT good for you, Mmkay....Seriously, they are SO bad for your health but why oh why do they have to taste so good?!?  And does it really get any easier then dumping a packet of chemicals into your boiling water?  Umm...probably not.  But not too worry, I'm here to save the day!

This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is SO good.  Seriously, you'll go back for thirds and pop a button on your jeans, that's how Amazeballs this dish is!  And because I'm a busy Mama just like you, it's quick and easy to make.  Oh how I LOVE that!

Start to finish, 25 minutes.  Ok, maybe 30.  And it makes enough for 4 people for dinner and a little leftover for lunch the next day.  Sign me up!


Creamy Tomato & Spinach Pasta

1 package pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves diced garlic
1/2 diced onion
2 teaspoons basil
pinch chili pepper flakes
salt, pepper
1 small handful sun dried tomatoes, rough chop
2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes
1/4 cup heavy cream or half & half
3 large handfuls fresh spinach
Parmesan cheese


Step 1- Start your water to boil for your pasta.  We like this dish with fettuccine noodles but really, anything will work.  So just use what you have available!

At the same time, start your garlic and onions sauteing in the olive oil.

Step 2- Once your onions are translucent (about 5-10 minutes) add in the basil, chili pepper flakes, salt, pepper, sun dried tomatoes and diced tomatoes.  Saute another 10 minutes.

At this point, your pasta should be cooking away in the pot.

Step 3- Blend your tomato mixture with your trusty immersion blender.  Slowly add in the heavy cream or half and half.  Then toss in your fresh spinach.  Continue to cook on low for a few minutes.

Tomato mixture before blending

After blending- now add in your greens!

Drain your pasta.


Tip- You can totally omit the cream if you're watching your weight.  But it's SO much better with it!  You can also use frozen spinach or another type of greens instead.  It's good with kale too.

Step 4- Combine your drained pasta with your sauce.  Sprinkle with parm cheese and enjoy!

I consider this a complete dish because of the veggies added.  However, many times I serve it with even more veggies or maybe some fresh fruit.  And the leftovers (if there are any!) are even better!