Spinach Tomato Pasta | Easy Healthy Vegetarian Dinner Recipe
Experience effortless flavor with this Spinach Tomato Pasta! Simple ingredients like halved cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and garlic transform into a vibrant, healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., penne, spaghetti, fusilli)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (or vegetable broth)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and start to burst. Gently mash some of them with the back of a spoon to release their juices and create a saucier consistency.
- Step 4: Stir in the fresh spinach, adding it in batches if necessary, and cook until it completely wilts, which should take 2-3 minutes. Pour in 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water (or vegetable broth) and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to form a light sauce.
- Step 5: Add the drained cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato and spinach sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Step 6: Serve immediately. You can optionally garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of vegetarian Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Store any delicious leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; a small splash of water or broth before chilling helps keep the pasta from drying out.
- To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in an extra tablespoon or two of water or vegetable broth to revive the sauce and prevent sticking.
- Elevate your meal by serving this vibrant pasta with a side of warm crusty bread for dipping, or a light green salad for a complete, fresh dinner.
- That reserved pasta water is your best friend; use it generously, a tablespoon at a time, to create a perfectly silky, emulsified sauce that lovingly coats every strand of pasta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups cooked
- Calories: 370
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 6g