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Easy Pasta Dinner Ideas For Family

Easy Pasta Dinner Ideas For Family

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Ingredients

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  • 12 oz Penne or Rotini pasta
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 small Yellow onion, diced
  • 24 oz Marinara sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 2 cups Fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. While the water heats, dice your onion and mince the garlic. Measure out your cream and cheese so everything is ready to go. Once the water boils, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is just “al dente.” Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and set it aside briefly.
  2. In the same pot you used for the pasta, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent. Stir in the garlic and oregano, cooking for another 60 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add the fresh spinach and stir until the leaves wilt into the sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  3. Toss the cooked pasta back into the pot with the creamy sauce. Use tongs or a large spoon to ensure every noodle is evenly coated. Taste the dish and add salt or pepper if needed. Divide the pasta into bowls while it is steaming hot. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.