This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. It's quick to prepare, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fresh spinach adds a nutritious boost to the dish
- Bright tomatoes provide a burst of flavor
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any night of the week
A Wholesome Meal in Minutes
Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a quick and nutritious option for busy weeknights. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, this dish can be on the table in under half an hour. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
The combination of fresh spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes creates a vibrant dish that looks as good as it tastes. This pasta is not only comforting but also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great choice for health-conscious individuals or families looking to incorporate more greens into their meals.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best things about this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. For instance, feel free to substitute whole wheat spaghetti for a heartier option or add a protein source like grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling meal.
Moreover, this recipe serves as a fantastic base; you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to elevate the flavor and nutritional value. Experimenting with different herbs and spices can also bring new life to this classic dish, allowing you to make it your own every time you prepare it.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can make a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy a homemade meal on busy days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
To keep the pasta fresh, consider storing the sauce separately from the pasta. This will help prevent the spaghetti from becoming mushy. When you're ready to enjoy it, just combine the two, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth cooking experience.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, until they soften.
Add Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Enjoy your delicious spinach tomato pasta with a side salad or garlic bread!
Tips for Perfect Pasta
Cooking pasta to perfection is all about timing. Always follow the package instructions for the best results, but keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. The ideal texture is 'al dente,' meaning it should be firm to the bite. This ensures that the spaghetti holds up well when tossed with the sauce.
Don’t forget to salt the water before cooking the pasta. This step adds flavor to the spaghetti itself, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta, consider pairing it with a simple side salad or crusty garlic bread. A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the flavors of the pasta beautifully and adds a refreshing crunch.
For a touch of elegance, serve the pasta in individual bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add layers of flavor to your dish.
Nutritional Benefits
This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is not only delicious but also nutritious. Spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and antioxidants that support overall health. Incorporating spinach into your meals is a fantastic way to boost your nutrient intake without compromising on taste.
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to numerous health benefits, including heart health and reduced risk of certain cancers. By including these vibrant ingredients in your diet, you’re not only treating your palate but also nourishing your body.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
→ Is this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This pasta dish is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese.
→ Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can be added for extra protein.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta
Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta
Created by: Noelle Chambers
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How-To Steps
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, until they soften.
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Plate the pasta and top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 10g