---
title: "Penne with Spinach & Tomatoes"
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/penne-with-spinach-and-tomatoes-65950ef865af4f731c6cc943
servings: 2
prep_time: 5 minutes
cook_time: 15 minutes
time_required: 20 minutes
difficulty: Easy
allergens: [Wheat, Milk]
tags: [Calorie Smart, Easy Prep, Quick, Veggie]
rating: 4.5
rating_count: 2200
source_chef: Sara Heilman
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: Many enjoyed the dish, though some found it bland; adding extra herbs, garlic, or cheese boosted flavor
  - theme: Texture
    text: The crunchy panko breadcrumbs were a hit, adding a delightful texture contrast to the creamy pasta
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/penne-with-spinach-tomatoes.avif"
---
Bring a #large pot{} of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce. Halve @grape tomatoes{1%cup}.

Melt 1 tbsp @butter{2%tbsp} in a #large pan{} over medium-high heat. Add @panko breadcrumbs{⅓%cup} and cook, stirring, until golden and toasted ~{3%minutes}. Stir in half the @garlic powder{1%tsp} and cook until fragrant ~{30%seconds}. Turn off heat; transfer to a plate and season with salt and pepper. Wipe out pan.

Once water is boiling, add @penne pasta{1%cup} to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente ~{10%minutes}. Reserve ¼ cup pasta cooking water. Drain and set aside.

While penne cooks, melt 1 tbsp butter in pan used for panko over medium-high heat. Add remaining garlic powder and cook until fragrant ~{30%seconds}. Stir in ⅓ cup water, @veggie stock concentrate{1%unit}, and @cream cheese{2%oz}. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until combined and creamy ~{3%minutes}. Season with salt and pepper.

Stir tomatoes and @spinach{2%cups} into pan with sauce. Cook, stirring, until spinach is wilted and tomatoes are softened ~{4%minutes}.

Stir drained penne into pan with sauce until thoroughly coated. If needed, add a splash or two of reserved pasta cooking water until everything is coated in a creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Divide pasta between bowls and top with @parmesan cheese{2%tbsp}. Sprinkle with as many garlic butter breadcrumbs as you like. Add a pinch of @chili flakes{1%pinch} to taste and serve.