Creamy Tomato and Spinach Penne with Shrimp

    This sauce reminds me of Olive Garden's Five Cheese Marinara! My creamy marinara is a bit more simple. Fresh spinach and a creamy sauce make this pasta dish a dream. You'll probably have leftovers!

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Penne with Shrimp

Ingredients:

- 1 tablespoon of olive oil

- 1 small onion, diced

- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic

- 1 (15 ounce) can of diced tomatoes

- 3 tablespoons of tomato paste 

- 1/2 cup of water

- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano

- 1/2 teaspoon of basil

- 1/2 teaspoon of salt

- 1/2 teaspoon of salt

- 2 ounces of cream cheese

- 1/4 cup of shredded parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

- 1 pound of penne pasta

- 1/2 of a (9 ounce) bag of fresh spinach

- 2 cups of cooked shrimp

    Cook the pasta in salted water. While waiting for the pasta to cook, saute the onions and the olive oil in a large pan, over medium heat, until they become translucent. Add in the minced garlic and saute for a few minutes before adding the diced tomatoes (with the juice), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let simmer for a few minutes. Whisk in the tomato paste and water. Turn down the heat to low and whisk in the cream cheese and shredded parmesan. Then, add in the shrimp and spinach, cover and simmer on low for about 10 minutes. Toss in the pasta and serve right away.