Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach.

This delicious Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach is a quick and easy dish that can be enjoyed any night of the week. Ready in less than 20 minutes, it features fresh spinach and juicy cherry tomatoes, making it a perfect meatless meal for any occasion. This recipe stands out with its garlicky flavor and vibrant colors, ensuring you’ll want to make it time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 18 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with nutrient-rich spinach and sweet cherry tomatoes, it’s a healthy choice.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a standalone meal or as a side dish, this pasta complements many proteins.
• Garlicky Goodness: The sautéed garlic adds depth to the flavors, making each bite delicious.
• Easy Cleanup: With minimal pots and pans required, cleanup is a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the following essential tools before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
• Skillet: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating the sauce that brings the dish together.
• Colander: Helps drain the cooked pasta efficiently while keeping it intact.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for mixing ingredients gently without damaging them.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Pasta Ingredients

• 8oz (220 grams) pasta
• 1 Tbsp olive oil or extra virgin olive oil

Flavor Enhancers

• 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

Fresh Vegetables

• 5oz (150 grams) baby spinach

Finishing Touches

• ¼ heaped cup (30 grams) grated parmesan cheese
• Extra parmesan cheese for serving
• Freshly cracked pepper for garnish
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

How to Make Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with water and place over high heat to bring it to a boil.
2. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package directions.
3. Reserve about ½ cup of cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

1. While waiting for the water to boil, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 45-60 seconds).

Step 3: Cook Tomatoes

1. Add halved cherry tomatoes, dried basil, salt, and freshly cracked pepper to the skillet.
2. Sauté until tomato skins burst and they begin to release their juices. Stir occasionally to prevent garlic from burning.

Step 4: Add Spinach

1. Once tomatoes start breaking down, add spinach in large handfuls.
2. Stir into tomatoes until spinach is wilted but still bright green (this should take no more than a couple of minutes).

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

1. At this point, the tomatoes should have created a sauce-like mixture on the bottom of the pan.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Mix Pasta

1. Add cooked and drained pasta to the skillet along with grated parmesan cheese and a touch of reserved pasta cooking water.
2. Toss until pasta is coated in sauce; use just enough cooking water to keep everything moist.

Step 7: Serve

1. Serve immediately topped with additional grated parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.

Enjoy your wonderful Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach!

How to Serve Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach.

Serving Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach is all about enhancing its fresh flavors. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious dish that will impress your family and friends.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top for an aromatic touch.
• Oregano: A dash of dried oregano can deepen the Italian flavor profile.

Add a Protein

• Grilled Chicken: Slice grilled chicken on top for a heartier meal.
• Chickpeas: For a plant-based option, toss in some cooked chickpeas for added protein and texture.

Garnish Creatively

• Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest over the pasta for a zesty brightness.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you like heat, add these flakes to spice things up.

Pair with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread for a satisfying crunch.
• Focaccia: A slice of herbed focaccia complements the pasta beautifully.

How to Perfect Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach.

Perfecting Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach is simple with these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe tomatoes will make your dish more vibrant and flavorful.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook until al dente to maintain a perfect texture; it should have a slight bite to it.
• Reserve pasta water: Save some cooking water; it helps create a sauce that clings to the pasta nicely.
• Adjust seasoning wisely: Taste as you go; adding salt and pepper gradually ensures balanced flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach.

Pairing side dishes enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach perfectly.

1. Caprese Salad: This classic salad made with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil adds freshness to your meal.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until golden provides a hearty side that’s easy to prepare.
3. Garlic Toasts: Crunchy garlic-infused bread adds texture and is perfect for soaking up pasta sauce.
4. Bruschetta: A light topping of tomatoes, garlic, and basil on toasted bread makes for a delightful appetizer.
5. Zucchini Noodles: Lighten your meal further by serving zucchini noodles alongside your pasta for extra greens.
6. Simple Green Salad: Mixed greens tossed in olive oil provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking can be tricky, and even simple recipes like Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach can go wrong. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the pasta water: Not reserving pasta cooking water means you miss out on adding moisture and flavor to your dish. Always save some before draining.
• Overcooking garlic: Garlic burns quickly, leading to a bitter taste. Sauté it just until fragrant, about 45-60 seconds, to keep its flavor intact.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoned food can taste bland. Taste your sauce before combining it with pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Using stale or low-quality tomatoes can make your dish less appealing. Opt for fresh cherry tomatoes for better flavor.
• Neglecting to wilt the spinach properly: If you don’t cook spinach long enough, it may be tough and unappetizing. Add it in batches and sauté until just wilted but bright green.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Any pasta shape will work, but short shapes like penne or fusilli hold the sauce well. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free options.

Can I add other vegetables to Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I make this dish vegan?

To make Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach vegan, simply omit the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

What pairs well with Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach?

This dish goes well with a side salad or crusty bread. A light vinaigrette can complement the flavors beautifully.

Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the components separately and combine them right before serving for the freshest taste.

How long does it take to make Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach?

This delightful meal takes just about 18 minutes from start to finish!

Final Thoughts

Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach is not only quick but also brings vibrant flavors together in a delicious way. This recipe is versatile; you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Try it today for a delightful meatless meal!