Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta
Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a vibrant and comforting dish combining fresh baby spinach, ripe tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinners. With fresh ingredients and simple seasonings, it offers a wholesome meal full of layered flavors and versatility for vegetarian and adaptable diets.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables and Fresh Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, rinsed and roughly chopped
- 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta and Dairy
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle recommended)
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse and roughly chop the baby spinach. Dice the ripe tomatoes and mince the garlic finely to infuse the olive oil gently without overpowering the dish.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve one cup of pasta cooking water.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook until softened, allowing their juices to form a fresh sauce.
- Add Spinach: Toss the chopped spinach into the skillet with the tomato mixture. Cook until just wilted, preserving its bright green color and tender texture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss well to combine, gradually adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling evenly to the noodles.
- Season and Serve: Season the pasta with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the freshest, most flavorful sauce.
- Do not overcook the spinach to avoid mushiness; add it near the end and cook just until wilted.
- Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify and bind the sauce to the pasta.
- Season gradually with salt and pepper to avoid over-seasoning.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its freshest and most vibrant.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg
Keywords: spinach pasta, tomato pasta, vegetarian pasta, quick dinner, healthy pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, weeknight dinner