Description

Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a vibrant and healthy dish combining fresh spinach, juicy ripe tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and easy meal offers a refreshing blend of flavors while providing essential vitamins and antioxidants. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or a light snack, it’s versatile, satisfying, and can be customized with added proteins or extra vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Aromatics

4 cups fresh spinach, rinsed and roughly chopped
3 ripe tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta & Oils

8 ounces penne or fusilli pasta (or preferred shape)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings & Extras

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and rinse fresh spinach and tomatoes. Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and roughly chop the spinach leaves. Mince the garlic and dice the onion for even cooking and best flavor release.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent. Toss in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This step creates the flavorful base of the sauce.
Cook Tomatoes and Spinach: Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet and let them simmer until they soften and release juices. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, coating the greens evenly with the tomato sauce.
Combine and Season: Mix the cooked pasta into the tomato and spinach mixture. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Toss well so every strand or piece is covered.
Finish with Cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Give it one last gentle toss or serve the cheese on the side for individual preference.

Notes

Choose ripe tomatoes to intensify natural sweetness and sauce depth.
Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture prevents mushiness when mixed with sauce.
Save pasta water to emulsify the sauce for a creamy finish without cream.
Add spinach last to keep its vibrant color and fresh texture.
Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end for aroma and brightness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 200 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 12 g
Cholesterol: 10 mg

Keywords: spinach pasta, tomato pasta, healthy pasta recipe, quick vegetarian pasta, gluten free pasta, easy weeknight dinner