Description
This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired vegetarian main course. Featuring tender pasta tossed with sautéed garlic, burst cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach, finished with Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. It’s perfect for a vibrant weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal prep option.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 5 oz fresh spinach
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst, releasing their juices.
- Wilt Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the leaves wilt down.
- Season: Season the vegetables with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, stirring well to combine.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- This dish works well cold as a pasta salad the next day.
