What could be better than tasty and nutritious veggies mixed with your favorite pasta?
While I admit to being a huge pasta lover, I don’t always like to settle for a plain bowl of pasta. I loved a plate of buttered spaghetti when I was a kid, but I’m happy to say my palate has progressed since then. I’m always trying to add something other than just sauce or meatballs to my pasta. That’s why this recipe for spinach-tomato pasta has become one of my go-to pasta dishes. I like to think of it as Mediterranean-style pasta because spinach and tomato are beloved in Greek and Italian cuisine.
Equally important, the dish tastes as good as anything you can get in a restaurant. With fresh spinach and grape tomatoes, not to mention a little garlic and Parmesan cheese, the flavor profile of this dish definitely surpasses that of a standard bowl of pasta. Whatever you do, please don’t skip the fresh garlic for this recipe. It’s essential to add it to the hot olive oil for a minute and let the flavors meld. I hate gooey jarred minced garlic. If slicing up some garlic feels too taxing after a long day at work (hey, I get it), opt for buying already peeled cloves at the supermarket to save one step.
This dish doesn’t take very long to whip up. In the time it takes to boil water and cook pasta, you can take care of the tomatoes, spinach, and everything else, making this dish as easy to cook as it is tasty.
Is This Spinach-Tomato Pasta Healthy?
Spinach-tomato pasta is one of the healthier pasta recipes you’re likely to find. The spinach and grape tomatoes in the dish are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients. Not many people know that spinach provides some protein! Plus, you can boost the fiber content of the dish if you use whole-wheat pasta. Vegans or those who are lactose intolerant can use a plant-based Parmesan.
Extra! Extra!
If you’re like me, you’re always trying to add an extra ingredient or two to a pasta dish. If you think there’s room for more, I would recommend some sautéed onions. Also, in keeping with the unofficial Mediterranean theme of this dish, you might consider adding a few green olives right before serving. This will add a richer taste and look appealing next to the tomatoes and spinach. If you want additional cheese, try Asiago, feta, and mozzarella. Finally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add some zest and flavor to any pasta dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If there are spinach-tomato pasta leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can eat leftovers hot or cold. You can also freeze it for 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
As with any pasta dish, you can’t go wrong with a side of Garlic Toast. Meanwhile, if you’d like to add meat or fish, there are options. You can make Meatballs In The Oven, or try these Whole30 Sweet-And-Sour Paleo Meatballs. Fish lovers might try pairing this pasta dish with Air-Fryer Salmon. And of course, pairing pasta with salad is a classic combination, especially if it’s a Cucumber-Avocado Salad or a Vegan Broccoli Salad.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta or your preferred pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups grape tomatoes halved
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add halved grape tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking until tomatoes are soft and bursting, about 6 minutes. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment