This Tomato Spinach Pasta is a cheerful dish full of vibrant colors and flavors! With fresh tomatoes and healthy spinach, it’s quick to make and super tasty.
Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of cheese on top, and it just makes everything better! 🍝 Who can resist a warm bowl of pasta? It’s my go-to for a busy day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This tubular shape holds onto the sauce perfectly. If you’re looking for something different, you could swap in rotini or farfalle. Gluten-free pasta also works if needed, just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives a beautiful flavor. If you can’t get it, any light cooking oil works, but avoid oils with a strong taste. Avocado oil could be a great substitute for a similar richness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor. If you run out, garlic powder can be a quick substitute, but you’ll need less (about 1/8 teaspoon per clove). Use your nose—if it doesn’t smell strong, it’s probably old!
Cherry Tomatoes: These are sweet and juicy, perfect for this dish. If they’re out of season, you can use canned diced tomatoes; just drain them well before adding for the right texture.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal here. If you prefer, kale can also work but will take a bit longer to cook. Frozen spinach can be used too; just make sure to thaw it and drain excess water.
How Do I Cook Garlic Without Burning It?
Garlic can be tricky as it burns quickly and turns bitter. Here’s how to sauté it perfectly:
- Heat the oil over medium, not high heat. It should shimmer but not smoke.
- Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- If it starts to brown, lower the heat and add your tomatoes right away to cool it down.
With these steps, your garlic will add a wonderful flavor without the bitterness!
How to Make Tomato Spinach Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
For The Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For The Finishing Touch:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes to prep the ingredients and another 10 minutes to cook the dish. In no time, you’ll have a delicious and colorful pasta dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (that means it should be cooked but still firm to the bite). After it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until it’s fragrant but make sure it doesn’t turn brown—nobody likes burnt garlic!
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to soften and start releasing their delicious juices, which will create a lovely sauce!
4. Season the Mixture:
If you enjoy a bit of heat, stir in the red pepper flakes now. Season the tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. It’s all about balancing the flavors!
5. Add the Spinach:
Time to add the fresh spinach leaves! Throw them into the skillet and cook until they are wilted, which will take about 2-3 minutes. Stir everything together and watch the vibrant green of the spinach brighten the dish!
6. Combine with Pasta:
Lower the heat and add your cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta gets a good coating of the tomato and spinach mixture. This is where it all comes together!
7. Cheese It Up:
Now sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Gently stir until the cheese melts and nicely coats the pasta. This adds a wonderful creamy texture to the dish.
8. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If it needs more salt or pepper, go ahead and add a bit. Remove the skillet from the heat.
9. Serve It Up:
Transfer the pasta to a serving dish. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves for that aromatic touch. It makes everything look even more inviting!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your Tomato Spinach Pasta warm and enjoy every delightful bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for this dish, you can swap it for any other pasta shape like fusilli or farfalle. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different shapes may require different cooking times.
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta?
Leftover Tomato Spinach Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to help bring back some moisture.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
This dish is already vegetarian! For a vegan option, simply omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a plant-based alternative instead. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor if you’re looking for that!
What Can I Use Instead of Cherry Tomatoes?
If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, feel free to use small Roma tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes. Just make sure to drain them well before adding to the skillet to prevent excess moisture in the dish!
