Spinach Tomato Pasta Delight

$- 250g pasta of your choice (spaghetti or penne recommended) - 2 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and roughly chopped - 2 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, diced into small pieces - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat) - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - A handful of fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a savory finish) Now, let’s talk about the ingredients for this dish. First, you need pasta. I love using spaghetti or penne. Both work well and cook nicely. You will need 250 grams of your chosen pasta. Next, fresh spinach is a must. Use about 2 cups. Make sure to wash it well and chop it roughly. Fresh spinach adds a bright green color and a nice taste. You also need ripe tomatoes. Two medium-sized tomatoes will do the trick. Dice them into small pieces. These juicy tomatoes bring sweetness and flavor to the dish. Don’t forget the onion and garlic. Use one small onion, finely chopped, and two cloves of minced garlic. They add depth and aroma to the dish. Olive oil is important too. One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil will help sauté the onions and garlic. It adds a lovely richness. For flavor, you will want one teaspoon of dried oregano. This herb goes well with tomatoes and spinach. If you like a bit of heat, add half a teaspoon of red chili flakes. Lastly, season the dish with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Use these to taste. For garnish, add some fresh basil leaves. They give a lovely touch. If you like cheese, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top. Gather all these ingredients, and you are ready to create a wonderful Spinach Tomato Pasta! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start with a large pot. Fill it with water and add a good amount of salt. This step helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding your pasta. I like to use spaghetti or penne. Cook the pasta according to the package time until it is al dente. Al dente means it should be firm but not hard. Just before draining, take out half a cup of the pasta water. This water can help make your sauce creamy later. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab the same pot or a large skillet. Pour in the olive oil and heat it on medium. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want it to be soft and see-through. Then, toss in the minced garlic. Cook it for about a minute. The smell should be amazing by now! It’s time to add the diced tomatoes. Cook them for about 5 minutes. This helps them break down and mix with the onion and garlic. After the tomatoes soften, fold in the chopped spinach. Also, add the dried oregano and red chili flakes if you want some heat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook everything for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Now, turn the heat down to a gentle simmer. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato and spinach mix. Toss everything together well. If the sauce looks dry, add some reserved pasta water bit by bit. You want a light and silky sauce that coats the pasta nicely. Taste your dish. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta in deep bowls. For a pretty touch, add fresh basil leaves on top. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your delicious creation! To choose the best tomatoes, look for ripe and firm ones. They should have a shiny skin. Fresh tomatoes have the best taste. If you want a richer flavor, try using San Marzano tomatoes. They are sweet and juicy! To enhance flavor, add some spices. Dried oregano brings warmth. Red chili flakes add heat, but use them sparingly. Fresh basil gives a nice aroma. You can even squeeze some lemon for brightness. For storage, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic works well. Make sure to cool the pasta before sealing. This keeps it fresh longer. When reheating, add a splash of water. This helps the pasta stay moist. Heat it on low on the stove or in the microwave. Stir it well to mix in any added water. Prepping ingredients in advance saves time. Chop the onions and garlic the night before. You can also dice the tomatoes ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for quick use. For quick weeknight meals, cook the pasta and sauce ahead. Then, just mix and heat when ready to eat. You can also make a double batch for easy lunches. Pro Tips Use Seasonal Vegetables: Incorporating seasonal vegetables not only enhances flavor but also adds nutritional value to your dish. Consider adding bell peppers or zucchini for variety. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Always cook pasta in a large pot with plenty of salted water to ensure even cooking. This helps the pasta to be flavorful and prevents it from sticking together. Reserve Pasta Water: Remember to save some pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can be used to adjust the sauce consistency and help it adhere to the pasta. Fresh Herbs for Flavor: Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end of cooking brightens up the dish. They provide a burst of flavor that dried herbs can't match. {{image_4}} You can switch up the greens in this dish. Kale or arugula works great. They add a different taste and texture. If you do not have Parmesan cheese, try mozzarella or feta. These can give a nice twist to the dish. Want to make it heartier? Add protein! Grilled chicken or shrimp makes it filling. You can also use tofu for a plant-based option. Toss in more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients. They blend well and boost the flavor. For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options available now, and they taste great. If you need a vegan dish, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for sautéing. This keeps the dish light and healthy. For a delightful meal, consider serving your spinach tomato pasta with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works wonders. You can also pair it with crusty bread. This helps to soak up any leftover sauce. When it comes to drinks, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is great. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try a refreshing mocktail. A mix of sparkling water and fresh lemon juice will complement the dish nicely. Presentation makes a meal even more special. Serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls. This allows the colors to pop. For a creative touch, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top. It adds heat and visual interest. Do not forget the garnishes! Fresh basil leaves not only enhance flavor but also brighten the dish. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish. Use colorful garnishes to make your plate stand out. Your guests will love it! How can I make this dish vegan? To make this dish vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Replace olive oil with a plant-based option if needed. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it and drain excess water before adding it to the dish. This will help keep your pasta from getting too watery. What are the best types of pasta to use? Spaghetti and penne are great options. Both hold the sauce well. You can also try gluten-free pasta if you prefer. How do I store leftovers properly? Store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of water if needed. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the sauce ahead of time. Cook the pasta fresh when you're ready to eat. This way, the pasta stays firm and tasty. This blog post showed you how to make a simple spinach tomato pasta. We explored the best ingredients and shared step-by-step cooking tips. You learned how to sauté, combine, and serve your dish beautifully. By following these easy methods, you can enjoy a tasty meal any night. Don't forget to try different variations and pairings to keep it exciting. Cooking can be fun and satisfying, so get started and make your own delicious pasta dish!$

Spinach Tomato Pasta Delight

A delicious and healthy pasta dish featuring fresh spinach and tomatoes.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

250 g pasta of your choice (spaghetti or penne recommended)
2 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and roughly chopped
2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced into small pieces
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
to taste sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
a handful fresh basil leaves for garnish
to taste grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a savory finish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and season generously with salt. Bring it to a rolling boil, then add your chosen pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot (or a large skillet), pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent and soft. Next, introduce the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, allowing the aroma to fill the air.
Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Incorporate the diced tomatoes into the mixture, cooking for about 5 minutes. This will allow the tomatoes to soften and begin breaking down, releasing their delicious juices. After that, fold in the chopped spinach, dried oregano, and red chili flakes (if using), along with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is well combined.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato and spinach mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water as necessary to achieve a light, silky sauce that beautifully coats the pasta.
Serve and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the pasta in deep bowls, adorned with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

Serve in wide, shallow bowls for an appealing presentation.

Keyword pasta, spinach, tomato, vegetarian