Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a meal that promises color, comfort, and freshness, you’ll love this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta. Bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, tender wilted spinach, and just the right kick of garlic, this pasta brings a vibrant Italian-inspired flair to your dinner table in well under 30 minutes. It’s truly the kind of cozy weeknight dish that feels like a special treat, yet is always simple, satisfying, and infinitely adaptable—whether you’re feeding your family or impressing a few lucky friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta truly shine is how the handful of basic ingredients combine to create something extraordinary. Each one plays a crucial role, bringing either flavor, texture, or color to your plate.
- Pasta (12 oz, penne, fusilli, or spaghetti): Go with your favorite shape—each style will beautifully soak up the sauce and veggies.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A good olive oil adds richness and lets the vegetables shine; don’t skip it.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): It’s the foundation of flavor, giving the whole dish its aromatic backbone.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 pint, halved): These burst into sweet, juicy bites, creating a simple, luscious sauce.
- Fresh spinach (5 oz): Adds a pop of color, subtle earthiness, and wholesome goodness in every forkful.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning each component—never underestimate the power of good seasoning.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Freshly cracked is best for a little warmth and balance.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): Just enough heat to keep things interesting—feel free to adjust or skip.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): The finishing touch for creamy saltiness and a truly indulgent bite.
- Pasta water (¼ cup, reserved): It brings the sauce together, making everything glossy and cohesive.
- Chopped fresh basil (for garnish, optional): Fragrant and fresh, a handful of basil elevates the pasta to another level.
How to Make Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil and add your chosen pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente—tender but with a little bite. Just before draining, scoop out ¼ cup of that pasta water and save it for later; this starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant—about one minute. Don’t let it brown; you want it mellow and aromatic without bitterness, as this will be the base of your Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta’s savory goodness.
Step 3: Cook the Cherry Tomatoes
Toss in your halved cherry tomatoes, stirring occasionally as they begin to soften and burst open. This takes about 4 to 5 minutes and transforms them into a sweet, juicy sauce that clings to each pasta strand. The kitchen will smell enticingly fresh at this stage!
Step 4: Add Fresh Spinach
Next, add the fresh spinach directly to the skillet with the tomatoes. Stir gently so it wilts evenly—this should only take about 1 to 2 minutes. The spinach will shrink down substantially, mixing its mild flavor into the tomato sauce and adding that unmistakable splash of green.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little fiery kick. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed; the tomatoes and spinach should feel balanced and bright.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
To finish, add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Pour in that reserved pasta water and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything until the noodles are coated and glossy with sauce, making sure the cheese melts right into the mix. The result? A perfectly creamy, vibrant pan of Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta ready to devour.
How to Serve Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta
Garnishes
This pasta calls for a simple flourish: a scattering of fresh chopped basil and a dusting of extra Parmesan cheese. The basil provides a fragrant, refreshing note that pairs perfectly with the sweet tomatoes, while the extra Parmesan delivers a hit of umami and a delightful finish.
Side Dishes
Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is wonderful on its own, but if you’re serving guests or craving a heartier meal, it pairs beautifully with warm garlic bread, a leafy green salad dressed in balsamic, or even some marinated grilled vegetables. These sides make for a colorful and satisfying spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl! To impress a crowd, serve the pasta piled high in a wide, shallow platter, letting vibrant tomatoes and flecks of spinach peek through. For gatherings, you can even portion it into cute mini bowls or cups for a tapas-style appetizer. Don’t forget a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for that extra shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta keeps very well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor. The pasta will soak up a bit of the sauce as it sits, which only intensifies the taste!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze it, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep for up to two months. For best results, freeze the pasta without the basil garnish and add fresh herbs just before serving after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra olive oil to loosen up the sauce. Stir gently until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne, fusilli, and spaghetti are all fantastic, you can substitute any pasta you love. Short shapes hold the sauce well, but long noodles are also delicious—just adjust your cooking time as needed.
How can I make this dish vegan?
It’s easy to make Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta vegan: simply skip the Parmesan or use your favorite plant-based cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast also works well for that “cheesy” flavor.
Can I add extra protein to this pasta?
Definitely! For a heartier meal, toss in some cooked grilled chicken, plump shrimp, or chickpeas alongside the pasta. It’s a wonderful way to add variety and satiety.
Is Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta good to eat cold as a salad?
Yes! This pasta tastes fantastic chilled and makes a very satisfying pasta salad. The flavors get even better after a rest in the fridge, making it a great option for lunchboxes or picnics.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta holds up beautifully for meal prep. Store in individual containers and enjoy throughout the week, either warmed up or served cold. Just freshen with a bit of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon when serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with color, flavor, and comfort, you really can’t go wrong with Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta. It’s quick, endlessly customizable, and simply puts a smile on everyone’s face—so tie on your apron and give it a try. I guarantee you’ll add it to your list of favorite go-to pasta recipes in no time!
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Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a quick and flavorful vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. The combination of cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and garlic creates a vibrant sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
- chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese. Toss well until everything is combined and the sauce coats the pasta.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- This dish also works well cold as a pasta salad the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
