The Perfect Spinach and Tomato Pasta Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Spinach and tomato pasta bursts with vibrant colors and wholesome goodness that will instantly uplift your dining experience.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together in a delightful culinary symphony, promising a light and refreshing meal.

Green leaves and red fruits intertwine, creating a nutritional powerhouse packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Each forkful offers a perfect balance of freshness and comfort, reimagineing simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

The natural harmony of vegetables brings depth and complexity to an otherwise straightforward recipe.

Rich in flavor yet incredibly simple to prepare, this pasta celebrates the beauty of seasonal produce.

Dive into a plate that nourishes both body and soul.

Best Pairings with Spinach and Tomato Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the pasta, complementing the fresh spinach and tomato flavors with its bright, acidic notes.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic perfectly soak up the delicious sauce, adding a crunchy texture that contrasts the soft pasta.
• Match with Light Arugula Salad: A simple salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette brings a peppery freshness that balances the warm, comforting pasta dish, creating a well-rounded meal.
• Accompany with Chilled Prosecco: The sparkling Italian wine's effervescence and light fruity character enhance the dish's Mediterranean flavors, making each bite more vibrant and enjoyable.

Fun Variations on Spinach and Tomato Pasta

• Mediterranean Zest: Replace Italian seasoning with za'atar and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein Power: Incorporate grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to transform the pasta into a more substantial meal with added protein.
• Spicy Kick: Introduce red pepper flakes and swap Parmesan for pecorino romano to create a bolder, more intense taste experience.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in roasted zucchini and bell peppers for extra nutrients and a colorful presentation that enhances the dish's visual appeal.

Fresh Spinach and Tomato Pasta: Simple, Light, and Flavorful

• Boost Flavor in Minutes: Elevate your pasta game with this quick, vibrant dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 15 minutes.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort Food: Packed with fresh spinach and juicy tomatoes, this pasta delivers a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and satisfying protein to fuel your day.
• Luxurious Texture Explosion: Experience the perfect blend of al dente pasta, silky wilted spinach, and tender burst tomatoes that create an irresistible mouthfeel with every single bite.

Key Ingredients for Fresh Spinach and Tomato Pasta

• Pasta: Classic base that soaks up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Rich base for sautéing ingredients and adding deep, smooth flavor.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a sharp, warm taste to the dish.
• Fresh Spinach, Tomatoes: Vibrant, fresh vegetables that add color, nutrition, and light, tangy notes.

• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that brings traditional Mediterranean warmth.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance overall taste.

• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, sharp cheese that creates a creamy texture and adds depth to the pasta.

• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps create a smooth, clingy sauce for the pasta.

How to Make the Best Fresh Spinach and Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in generously salted water until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Aim for that tender yet firm bite that makes pasta shine.

Step 2: Warm Up the Flavor Base

In a spacious skillet, melt together olive oil and butter, creating a rich, aromatic foundation for your sauce.

Step 3: Build Your Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Fresh tomatoes
• Italian seasoning

Sauté until tomatoes soften and release their juicy goodness, filling your kitchen with incredible aromas.

Step 4: Wilt the Greens

Toss in fresh spinach leaves and cook until they gracefully wilt and turn a vibrant deep green.

Step 5: Save Pasta Water

Before draining, carefully reserve of starchy pasta water – this liquid gold helps create a silky sauce.

Step 6: Combine and Coat

Add drained pasta to the skillet, splash in reserved water, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese. Gently toss until every pasta strand gets a luxurious coating.

Step 7: Final Touch

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy immediately for maximum flavor and texture.

Tips for the Perfect Spinach and Tomato Pasta

• Boost Pasta Flavor: Salt your water generously to enhance the pasta's taste from the inside out.
• Prevent Wilting Spinach: Add spinach at the last minute to maintain its vibrant green color and fresh texture.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every noodle.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate Parmesan fresh and add off the heat to prevent clumping and ensure smooth distribution.
• Timing Is Key: Cook tomatoes just until they soften to preserve their bright flavor and prevent turning mushy.

How to Keep Fresh Spinach and Tomato Pasta Fresh

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.
• Stovetop Revival: Refresh cold pasta in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or butter. Warm over medium-low heat, gently stirring to prevent sticking and help ingredients regain their original vibrant flavors. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for renewed richness if desired.

Spinach and Tomato Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent spinach and ripe tomatoes dance together in this Mediterranean-inspired pasta delight. Quick garden-fresh ingredients merge into a light, flavorful meal that brings Italian countryside charm directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (linguine or your favorite type)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) little tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc.), cut in half
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, tightly packed

Seasoning and Herbs:

• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, generously seasoning with salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor, and cook spaghetti or linguine until perfectly tender yet firm (al dente), approximately 8-9 minutes.
2. In a spacious skillet, melt butter and olive oil together over medium heat, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
3. Mince fresh garlic and gently sauté until aromatic, releasing its subtle essence without browning.
4. Introduce ripe cherry or roma tomatoes to the skillet, sprinkling with Italian seasoning blend, and allow them to soften and caramelize slightly, developing a rich, sweet undertone.
5. Fold in fresh, vibrant spinach leaves, stirring gently until they wilt and integrate seamlessly with the tomato mixture, creating a verdant and luscious sauce.
6. Carefully extract a quarter cup of starchy pasta water before draining the cooked pasta in a colander, preserving this liquid gold for sauce consistency.
7. Transfer the hot pasta directly into the skillet, combining with the vegetable mixture and splashing in the reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling beautifully.
8. Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, tossing to ensure every strand is coated with the creamy, herbaceous sauce.
9. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, adjusting flavors with a final delicate stir.
10. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan and a whisper of fresh basil if desired.

Notes

• Storing leftovers in an airtight container extends dish freshness for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing isn’t recommended due to delicate spinach and tomato texture losing quality after thawing.
• Fresh Parmesan cheese provides better flavor compared to pre-grated alternatives.
• Using high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances overall taste profile of the pasta.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like fresh basil or oregano for unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 700 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 60mg