Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy
Enjoy this quick and easy Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and flavors. Ideal for busy evenings, it combines the goodness of spinach with the richness of tomatoes, ensuring a nutritious meal that everyone will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fresh ingredients that enhance flavor and nutrition
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- A colorful and appetizing dish that pleases the eye
The Benefits of Spinach
Spinach is often hailed as a superfood, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K, making it an excellent addition to a balanced diet. Incorporating spinach into your meals can help support overall health, boost your immune system, and promote healthy skin.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, spinach is incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed raw in salads, blended into smoothies, or cooked in a variety of dishes. In this recipe, the spinach not only adds nutrition but also contributes a vibrant color and a mild flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
The Importance of Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is key to maximizing flavor and nutritional value in any dish. Fresh vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes and spinach, not only taste better but also retain more nutrients compared to their canned or frozen counterparts. This recipe showcases how the freshness of the ingredients elevates a simple pasta dish into something truly delightful.
When shopping for ingredients, look for vibrant colors and firm textures in your vegetables. Choosing seasonal produce can enhance the overall taste and ensure that you're getting the best quality. By prioritizing freshness, you can transform everyday meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're planning a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is an ideal choice. Its bright colors and appealing presentation make it a fantastic option for gatherings, while its quick preparation time means you won't be stuck in the kitchen for hours.
This dish is also highly adaptable. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, or by incorporating other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. This ensures that you can cater to different tastes and dietary preferences while keeping the dish delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 300g pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, etc.)
Vegetables
- 200g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Gather all the ingredients to start making your Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta!
Steps
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften.
Add Spinach and Combine
Stir in the chopped spinach, cooking until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and chili flakes. Combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable mixture, tossing to coat.
Serve
Plate the pasta and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Now your Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is ready to be enjoyed!
Storage Tips
To store leftover spinach tomato pasta, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to bring back its original texture and flavor.
If you prefer, you can also freeze the pasta. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired. This makes it a great option for meal prep or busy days when you need a quick meal on hand.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, consider serving this pasta with a side salad or garlic bread. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the flavors of the pasta. The crispness of the salad complements the warm, hearty dish.
If you're looking for a wine pairing, a light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, works wonderfully with this dish. The acidity of the wine matches the freshness of the tomatoes and spinach, enhancing your overall dining experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach for fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding.
→ What type of pasta works best?
Any pasta works well, but long strands like spaghetti or linguine pair nicely with the sauce.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
→ Can I add protein to this recipe?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make great additions.
Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta
Enjoy this quick and easy Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Pasta
- 300g pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, etc.)
Vegetables
- 200g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to soften.
Stir in the chopped spinach, cooking until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and chili flakes. Combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable mixture, tossing to coat.
Plate the pasta and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 12g