Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta is bursting with fresh flavors and requires minimal ingredients and prep time. The sweetness of ripe tomatoes balances perfectly with the earthy spinach and fragrant garlic, making a delicious and nutritious dish. It’s versatile, vegetarian-friendly, and easily customizable with your favorite toppings or proteins.
Ingredients
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12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
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3 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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4 cups fresh spinach
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
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Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Pasta:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
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Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
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Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes:
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes until they soften and begin to burst.
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Add Spinach:
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Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
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Add cooked pasta to the skillet.
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Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
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Season and Serve:
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
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Serve warm.
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Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
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Cheese Alternatives: Swap Parmesan for feta or mozzarella.
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Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
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Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of cream or cream cheese.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil if dry.
FAQs
Can I use canned tomatoes?
Fresh tomatoes are best, but canned diced tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
How do I prevent pasta from sticking?
Reserve pasta water and toss pasta with sauce immediately after draining.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
What pasta shape works best?
Any pasta shape works; choose your favorite.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, but fresh spinach and herbs are best added just before serving.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in spinach and pasta.
How spicy is this dish?
Mild; add or omit red pepper flakes to adjust heat.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Yes, basil, parsley, or oregano work well.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
Add a splash of cream, milk, or cream cheese.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Use fresh for best texture, but thawed and drained frozen spinach can be used.
Conclusion
Easy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is a quick, tasty, and nutritious meal that brings fresh, vibrant flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Whether for a busy weeknight or a light lunch, this pasta dish is versatile, satisfying, and perfect for anyone craving a wholesome, homemade meal.
Easy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pressure Cooking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Tomato and Spinach Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and tender pasta in a light garlic and olive oil sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this healthy, vegetarian-friendly meal is simple to prepare and packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
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12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
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3 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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4 cups fresh spinach
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1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
-
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using); sauté about 1 minute until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook 5-7 minutes until softened and bursting. -
Add Spinach:
Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce. -
Season and Serve:
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm
Notes
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein.Swap Parmesan with feta or mozzarella cheese.Include mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies.Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal.Stir in cream or cream cheese for a creamy sauce.
