Tomato and spinach pasta is about to become your new best friend. Not only does this recipe combine simple pantry ingredients with the beauty of restaurant-quality food, but it also packs a flavor punch that will make you want to eat it again and again. This simple but filling dish is great for busy weeknights, romantic dinner dates, and everything in between.
Tomato And Spinach Salad
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- A pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- 2 cups of fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz of your favorite pasta
- Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it begins to turn golden. If you’re a fan of heat, this is the time to throw in those red pepper flakes.
- Once the garlic is aromatic, add the can of diced tomatoes, juice and all. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions.
- When your pasta is almost done, add the fresh spinach to the tomato sauce. Cook it just long enough to wilt the spinach – you don’t want it to lose all its vibrant color!
- Drain your pasta, but save a bit of the pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and if you’re feeling a little fancy, grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top.
Variations to Try
Just like any good staple recipe, this Tomato and Spinach Pasta is ripe for variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Protein Power: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for some added protein. Alternatively, for a vegetarian protein boost, you could stir in some white beans.
- Veggie Delight: Feel free to throw in any other vegetables you have on hand. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some caramelized onions would be a fantastic addition.
- Cheese Please: If you’re a cheese lover, consider adding dollops of ricotta or cubes of feta to your pasta. It’ll take this simple dish to a whole new level of creamy deliciousness.
- Herb Fresh: Fresh herbs can make all the difference. Try adding basil, parsley, or oregano to the sauce, or even as a garnish.
Tomato and spinach pasta is the best example of how a few simple items can be used to make something wonderful. Not only is this dish easy to make, but it can also be used in many different ways. With just a few changes, you can make this dish taste different every time, just the way you like it. So, the next time you’re not sure what to make for dinner, keep this recipe in mind. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a tasty blank board just waiting to be painted on.
Enjoy!
