Quick Spinach Pasta Simple and Flavorful Dinner Dish

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese or a vegan alternative
• to taste salt and pepper
• optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
2. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
3. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 more minutes.
4. Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help combine the ingredients smoothly.
5. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything until evenly coated and creamy.
6. Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.