This delicious spinach tomato pasta blends fresh ingredients with hearty flavors, creating a delightful meal that everyone will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrition
- Simple and quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- A delightful blend of flavors that pleases every palate
A Wholesome Meal in Minutes
In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a nutritious meal can be a challenge. This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is the perfect solution. With a preparation time of under 30 minutes, it's ideal for busy weeknights or when you simply want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The simplicity of this dish does not compromise its flavor or nutritional value, making it a family favorite.
What sets this dish apart is its use of fresh ingredients. The vibrant green spinach not only enhances the visual appeal but also packs a nutritional punch, offering vitamins A, C, and K, along with important minerals. The combination of spinach and tomatoes provides a delicious blend that is both satisfying and healthy.
Customizable and Versatile
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Whether you want to add protein with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas, or incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, the options are endless. This makes it an excellent base recipe that you can modify to keep your meals exciting.
Additionally, if you're looking to make it gluten-free, simply swap out regular pasta for a gluten-free alternative. This ensures that everyone at the table can enjoy this delicious dish without any dietary restrictions.
Perfect Pairings
When it comes to pairing drinks with your Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta, consider a light-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. Its crisp acidity complements the freshness of the spinach and tomatoes beautifully. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water infused with lemon can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
For a complete meal, serve this pasta alongside a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will enhance the flavors of the pasta and create a well-rounded dining experience.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 300g pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g canned diced tomatoes
- 150g fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Gather all the ingredients and you're ready to cook!
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Spinach
Add the canned diced tomatoes to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your delicious spinach tomato pasta!
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating is simple; just add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to the pasta before microwaving to keep it moist. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad, making it a versatile option for meal prep throughout the week.
For longer storage, consider freezing the cooked pasta and sauce. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove over low heat.
Nutritional Benefits
This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is not just tasty; it’s also loaded with nutritional benefits. Spinach is a superfood known for its high levels of iron and antioxidants, which can help boost your immune system and improve overall health. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to numerous health benefits, including heart health.
The olive oil used in this recipe is a source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. Together, these ingredients create a balanced meal that is not only delicious but also contributes positively to your well-being.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding.
→ What type of pasta works best?
Any pasta works well, but penne or fusilli hold the sauce nicely.
→ Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta
Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta
Created by: Delilah Spencer
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Pasta
- 300g pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g canned diced tomatoes
- 150g fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
How-To Steps
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the canned diced tomatoes to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 52g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 12g