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Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach

A vibrant pasta dish combining the rich flavor of tomatoes and the nutritious goodness of spinach, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8oz (220 grams) pasta
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil or extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 9oz (250 grams) cherry tomatoes, cut into halves
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ¼ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
  • ⅛ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 5oz (150 grams) baby spinach
  • ¼ heaped cup (30 grams) grated parmesan cheese
  • Grated parmesan cheese for serving
  • Freshly cracked pepper for serving
  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Toss in your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant but not brown.
  3. Add the Tomatoes: Introduce the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir in ½ tsp dried basil, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
  4. Incorporate the Spinach: Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted, which should only take a couple of minutes. If the skillet is crowded, don’t worry—the spinach will shrink.
  5. Combine Everything: Add the drained pasta into the skillet along with a bit of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce. Toss gently until combined. Add more pasta water if needed.
  6. Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle the grated parmesan over the pasta and toss gently to combine until melted.
  7. Finish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and serve in shallow bowls with extra parmesan and pepper on top.

Notes

For a gourmet experience, pair with a side salad or garlic bread. Feel free to add grilled chicken or other veggies for variation.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta, tomatoes, spinach, vegetarian, quick dinner