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.
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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.
