Quick Spinach Pasta

$To make Quick Spinach Pasta, you need: - 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 (adjust to preference) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegan alternative) - Salt and pepper to taste You can add these for extra flavor: - Sliced mushrooms - Cooked chicken or shrimp - Lemon zest for brightness - Extra herbs like parsley or oregano If you have special diets, try these: - Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal. - Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan option. - Choose olive oil alternatives like avocado oil for different flavors. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Al dente means the pasta is firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, save ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In the same pot, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic smells great. Then, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Next, stir in 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which takes about 2 more minutes. Now, return the cooked pasta to the pot with the garlic, tomatoes, and spinach. Toss everything well. If it seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This helps mix the flavors. Next, add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss again until everything is creamy and well coated. Serve the pasta on plates and add fresh basil leaves if you like. Enjoy your quick spinach pasta! To cook pasta al dente, start with a large pot of water. Add salt; it helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the spaghetti. Stir the pasta often to prevent it from sticking. Check the package for cooking time, but taste it a minute early. Al dente means the pasta should be firm to the bite. Once ready, save a bit of pasta water before draining. This water helps create a smooth sauce later. You can boost the flavor of your spinach pasta easily. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley add brightness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Minced garlic adds depth and warmth. When you sauté the garlic, don’t let it burn; it should turn golden. For a twist, try adding lemon zest or juice. It brightens the dish and balances the richness of the cheese. Serving your pasta well makes it look great. Use a large bowl or individual plates. Add the pasta first, then spoon the veggies on top. This way, it looks appealing. For garnish, fresh basil leaves add color and aroma. You can also add extra cheese on top if desired. Drizzle a bit of olive oil for shine. Serve it warm, and enjoy a simple yet delicious meal! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor of your pasta dish significantly. Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Reserve Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water can help create a silkier sauce, so don't skip this step! Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist on flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your Quick Spinach Pasta. Chicken or shrimp works great. For chicken, use cooked, diced pieces. Sauté them with garlic for extra flavor. If you choose shrimp, cook them in olive oil until pink. Mix them in with the tomatoes and spinach. This adds a nice texture and makes the dish more filling. If you want a vegan version, swap the cheese for a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor. You can also skip the cheese altogether. For extra protein, add chickpeas or tofu. Just sauté them with the garlic and tomatoes. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. You don’t have to stick with spaghetti. Try penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Gluten-free options are also available. Each type offers a unique texture. Choose what you like best. It’s all about making this dish your own. Just remember to cook the pasta according to the package instructions. To store leftover spinach pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the pasta fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil. This keeps the pasta moist. Use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. If you're using a skillet, heat on medium-low. Stir often for even warmth. To freeze spinach pasta, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as described for the best taste. It takes about 20 minutes to make Quick Spinach Pasta. You can cook the pasta in 10 minutes. Sautéing garlic and tomatoes takes just a few minutes. Adding spinach and mixing everything together is quick too. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you need a meal fast. Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just make sure to thaw it first. Drain any excess water before adding it to the pan. Frozen spinach has a softer texture, but it still works well with this dish. You will still get great flavor and nutrition. Spinach pasta pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with a simple salad. A side of garlic bread also complements the dish. For protein, consider grilled chicken or shrimp. If you want a vegetarian option, serve it with roasted chickpeas. These sides help make your meal more balanced and tasty. This blog post covered how to make quick spinach pasta. We started with a list of key ingredients and explored optional ones for extra flavor. I showed you how to cook the pasta and sauté the garlic and tomatoes. We shared tips to get the pasta just right and enhance its taste. I also suggested fun variations like adding proteins or vegan swaps. Finally, we talked about how to store your dish and answered common questions. Enjoy making this easy, tasty meal!$

A quick and easy pasta dish featuring fresh spinach, garlic, and cherry tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

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

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.
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.
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.
Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help combine the ingredients smoothly.
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything until evenly coated and creamy.
Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.

Keyword pasta, quick meal, spinach, vegetarian