Tomato Cream Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
03 - 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
04 - 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
05 - 1 pound cooked penne pasta, drained well
06 - ½ cup heavy cream
07 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
08 - 1 green bell pepper, diced

→ Seasonings

09 - Salt and black pepper to taste
10 - 2 bay leaves
11 - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, adjust as needed

→ Toppings

12 - Grated parmesan cheese for sprinkling
13 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 3 parsley sprigs for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - In a big pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes.
02 - Toss in the minced garlic and some red pepper flakes. Stir them around for another minute.
03 - Pour in the crushed tomatoes and throw in the bay leaves. Stir, pop on a lid, and let it bubble gently over medium-low heat for 4-5 minutes.
04 - Remove the bay leaves. Pour in the cream and season with salt and pepper. Add the spinach, give it all a good mix, cover, and cook until the spinach softens, about 3-4 minutes.
05 - Add the warm penne pasta to the pan. Sprinkle in mozzarella and mix in the parsley. Stir until everything is combined, then take it off the heat.
06 - Plate it up hot and sprinkle with parmesan and parsley before serving.

# Notes:

01 - For best texture, keep your pasta slightly firm, or al dente.
02 - Using a large pot or a Dutch oven works great for combining everything.
03 - Chop all veggies evenly so they cook at the same pace.