Name: Creamy Spinach and Tomato Bowties Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 Tbs Oli Oil; 1/2 Onion, chopped; 4 Cloves Garlic, minced; 14 Oz Can Diced Tomatoes; 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream; Salt and Pepper, to taste; 1 Tsp Italian Seasoning; 1 Tsp Garlic Powder; 1 Pound Bow Tie Pasta (cooked) + a ladle of pasta water; 2 Cups Fresh Baby Spinach; 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese

Creamy Spinach and Tomato Bowties is a creamy, garlicky bow tie pasta tossed with diced tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan for an easy weeknight dinner that’s big on flavor with minimal effort.

From the recipe collection of Tara Ippolito

I usually start this recipe by saying, “This is the best pasta with the least amount of effort.” And honestly? It’s true. This is one of those dinners that feels impressive but comes together so quickly, it almost doesn’t make sense.

It’s creamy, loaded with flavor and proof that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. This one became so popular for a reason. It’s simple, reliable, and it’s been a personal favorite of mine for a long time.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious pasta. You can find the full ingredients list along with measurements and instructions on the recipe card below.

Bow Tie Pasta – The perfect shape for catching all that creamy tomato sauce in the folds and edges.
Olive Oil – Creates the base for sautéing and adds a light, smooth richness.
Onion – Brings subtle sweetness and depth once softened.
Garlic – Adds bold, savory flavor that builds the foundation of the sauce.
Diced Tomatoes (with juices) – Gives the sauce brightness, acidity, and texture.
Heavy Cream – Balances the tomatoes with richness and makes the sauce silky and smooth.
Salt & Pepper – Enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
Italian Seasoning – Adds herby warmth and classic Italian flavor.
Garlic Powder – Reinforces the garlic flavor and adds subtle background depth.
Fresh Baby Spinach – Adds color, freshness, and a light earthy balance to the creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty richness and helps thicken everything slightly.

How To Make It

Here’s how to make this easy dinner. You can find the full ingredients along with instructions on the recipe card below.

First, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium high heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices) and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

PRO TIP: Heat the heavy cream in the microwave for about 15 seconds to warm it up a bit before adding it to the skillet. It will incorporate into the sauce much smoother.

Then, stir everything together well, then turn the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the reserved pasta water and cooked bow ties to the sauce.

NOTE: Adding starchy pasta water to the sauce will thicken in, season it and help the pasta cling to the sauce.

Now, add the spinach in batches, stirring until it wilts into the sauce. Finally, stir in the Parmesan cheese, serve warm and enjoy!

PRO TIP: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is the best choice for this recipe. It will melt nicely into the sauce and add a salty, nutty flavor.

Can I Add A Protein To This?

Yes, you absolutely can. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage would be amazing in this. Rotisserie chicken is perfect if you want to keep it easy, too.

Can I Use Frozen Spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water first so it doesn’t thin out the sauce.

What Should I Serve This With?

Pasta always goes great with some Homemade Italian Garlic Bread or a simple side salad. This would also be delicious alongside something like Chicken Cutlets or Steak if you want something a little more filling.

Storage

Let the bow ties cool completely and place them into a food safe air tight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days.