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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In a spacious skillet, melt butter and olive oil together over medium heat, creating a fragrant base for the sauce.
- Mince fresh garlic and gently sauté until aromatic, releasing its subtle essence without browning.
- 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.
- Fold in fresh, vibrant spinach leaves, stirring gently until they wilt and integrate seamlessly with the tomato mixture, creating a verdant and luscious sauce.
- Carefully extract a quarter cup of starchy pasta water before draining the cooked pasta in a colander, preserving this liquid gold for sauce consistency.
- 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.
- Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, tossing to ensure every strand is coated with the creamy, herbaceous sauce.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, adjusting flavors with a final delicate stir.
- 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