Imagine a mouthwatering Italian-inspired pasta that comes together in just 25 minutes, bursting with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. This Spinach, Tomatoes, and Parmesan Pasta is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or someone who wants to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your perfect solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pasta (your choice)
- Spinach
- Tomatoes (diced)
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients: pasta, fresh spinach, ripe tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic cloves, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Use approximately 1 tablespoon of salt per 4 quarts of water.
- Add your chosen pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta cooks, finely mince 2-3 garlic cloves and dice fresh tomatoes into small, uniform pieces.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their natural juices.
- Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add cooked pasta directly to the skillet with tomatoes.
- Toss in fresh spinach leaves and stir gently, allowing spinach to wilt from the heat of the pasta.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If sauce seems dry, add reserved pasta water.
- Remove from heat and generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
- Serve immediately in warm plates, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While this recipe works with any pasta, short shapes like penne or fusilli hold the sauce best.
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Don't be shy with salt—it's your only chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is liquid gold for creating a silky, clingy sauce. Always save some before draining.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh spinach and ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Garlic Technique: Sauté garlic quickly to release flavor without burning—30-45 seconds is your sweet spot.
- Cheese Matters: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and taste more vibrant than pre-grated alternatives.
- Timing is Key: Add spinach last and just let it wilt to maintain its bright green color and nutrients. Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of lemon juice at the end!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
