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Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta

Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta

Offers a quick, flavorful, and healthy weeknight meal solution that’s perfect for busy home cooks. This vibrant dish combines the goodness of fresh spinach and juicy tomatoes in a satisfying pasta sauce, proving that delicious and nutritious can go hand-in-hand.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian Inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or farfalle work well)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper
  • 5-6 ounces fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (Optional) for a creamier sauce
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (Optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot,
  • Large skillet or pot

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
    1 pound pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or farfalle work well)
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
    2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium onion, finely chopped, 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
    1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 0.5 teaspoon dried basil, 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste salt, to taste black pepper
  4. Stir in the chopped fresh spinach a handful at a time. Cook, stirring, until the spinach has wilted, which should only take a couple of minutes. If you desire a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half at this stage.
    5-6 ounces fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped, 0.25 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  5. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
    1 pound pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or farfalle work well)
  6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a luscious coating. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
    0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving, to taste salt, to taste black pepper
  7. Serve the Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta immediately. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
    0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving, Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
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