Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe

All right folks, imagine this: a mouthwatering pasta dish that’s not only easy to make but tastes like a warm Italian hug in a bowl. Get ready to blissfully twirl your fork through this tomato and spinach pasta masterpiece! 🍝✨

I love creating dishes that are both healthy and satisfying. My Tomato Spinach Pasta is just that!

With the wholesome ingredients of fresh spinach and a can of diced tomatoes, this recipe is practically bursting with vitamins. It’s the kind of dish that could just as easily be served plain, but the combination of garlic with oregano and basil adds such a wonderful depth of flavor that it’s hard to imagine it without those supporting players.

A sprinkle of Parmesan, and the dish is simply complete.

Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats and enhances richness.
• Garlic: Provides a flavorful aroma and immune-boosting properties.
• Diced Tomatoes: Offer lycopene and vibrant acidity.
• Spinach: Packed with iron and vitamin K for health.
• Pasta: Source of carbohydrates, fueling energy.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and creamy texture.

Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 ounces of pasta (such as penne or spaghetti)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups of fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for garnish

How to Make this Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe

1. Put a big saucepan with salted water on to heat. The moment it starts to boil, add the short, dry pasta and stir until it is completely submerged. Cover the pot; this helps maintain the boil and keeps the pasta cooking evenly. After 2 minutes, remove the cover and stir the pasta. From now on, stir every 2 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, drain the pasta and set aside.

2. In a large frying pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it gives off an aroma, which will take about 1 minute.

3. Add in the tomatoes (with their juice), the dried oregano, and the dried basil. Stir so that everything is mixed together. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it bubble gently for 5 minutes.

4. Put the fresh spinach into the skillet and stir until it is wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

5. Add salt and pepper to suit your taste.

6. Combine the thoroughly cooked pasta and tomato-spinach mixture in the skillet. Toss to combine thoroughly.

7. Keep cooking the pasta in the skillet for another 2-3 minutes so that the flavors can meld.

8. Take the skillet away from the fire and dust the finely shredded Parmesan over the pasta, tossing to get it all married and combined.

9. Pasta should be served hot, with not-garnished, but additional Parmesan cheese as desired. This is the basic serving method for pasta.

10. If you desire a spicy kick before you serve, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan
2. Large frying pan or skillet
3. Pot lid
4. Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
5. Colander for draining pasta
6. Chef’s knife
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cup (for liquid measurement)
10. Grater for Parmesan cheese (if not pre-grated)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? A: Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes. Use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes instead of the canned version.
• Q: Is it possible to make this dish vegan? A: Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative. Adjust seasoning as needed.
• Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? A: Yes, you may use frozen spinach. Thaw and drain it well before adding to prevent excess liquid in the dish.
• Q: How can I make this dish spicier? A: Add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking or as a garnish to increase the heat level to your preference.
• Q: What type of pasta works best with this recipe? A: Any pasta you enjoy will work, but penne or spaghetti complement the sauce well.
• Q: Can I add protein to this dish? A: Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would be great additions to enhance the dish.
• Q: Can this dish be prepared in advance? A: You can make it ahead, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If needed, store it in the refrigerator for up to two days and reheat gently.

Tomato Spinach Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or zucchini noodles for pasta.
To replace olive oil: Use avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
To make diced tomatoes for canning: Use fresh tomatoes that have been diced and cooked down, or a jar of tomato sauce.
Replace fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard, making sure to chop them finely.
When a recipe calls for Parmesan cheese, you could substitute (1) Pecorino Romano or (2) nutritional yeast for a vegan option.

1. Pecorino Romano: made from sheep’s milk, this cheese has a similar protein and fat structure to Parmesan, plus a comparable sharpness and saltiness.
2. Nutritional Yeast: this deactivated form of yeast has a nutty, cheese-like flavor. It can be used in vegan recipes as if it were a cheese.

Pro Tips

1. Reserve Pasta Water Before draining the pasta, save a cup of the pasta cooking water. If the pasta dish seems dry after combining, you can add a splash of this starchy water to help create a silkier sauce.

2. Use Fresh Herbs If possible, substitute the dried oregano and basil with fresh herbs. Add the fresh herbs at the end of cooking for a more vibrant flavor.

3. Enhance with Protein For added protein and texture, consider incorporating cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas into the pasta dish. This can make it a more complete meal.

4. Roast the Garlic For a deeper flavor, you can roast the garlic cloves before mincing them and adding to the pan. This will bring out a sweeter, more complex taste.

5. Finish with a Drizzle Just before serving, add a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the finished dish to enhance flavor and add richness.