If you’re searching for that perfect combination of easy, healthy, and crave-worthy, look no further than this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta. It’s vibrant, brimming with garden flavor from ripe tomatoes and fresh baby spinach, with just enough gooey Parmesan and aromatic basil to keep every bite totally irresistible. With just 30 minutes and a handful of staple ingredients, you’ll have a meal that feels like a cozy weeknight dinner and a dinner party delight, all in one. Whether you’re whipping it up for family, friends, or yourself, Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is bound to become your new weeknight hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple ingredient list—each item plays a unique role in building the taste, color, and texture of this gorgeous pasta. Let’s break down what you’ll need (and why!).
- Pasta (Spaghetti or Penne): Either shape works beautifully here—choose based on your favorite or what’s in your pantry!
- Olive Oil: Adds a silky, fruity base to sauté the aromatics and bring the sauce together.
- Garlic: For a punch of bold, garlicky depth; don’t skimp!
- Onion: Brings a sweet, mellow savoriness that helps anchor the sauce.
- Diced Tomatoes (Canned): The backbone of your sauce, giving wonderful tomato flavor all year round.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved fresh tomatoes add bursts of sweetness and a pop of color.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic blend that instantly gives the sauce its Tuscan spirit.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a gentle heat—add as much or as little as you like.
- Salt: Essential for bright, balanced flavor throughout every layer.
- Black Pepper: A savory finish that brings all the other flavors to life.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Lots of spinach wilts down to pack in a good-for-you green boost.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For creaminess and savory depth (swap for vegan cheese if you’d like).
- Fresh Basil: The final herbal flourish that elevates the whole dish to something truly special.
How to Make Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then drop in your spaghetti or penne and let it cook until perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—the secret to a silky sauce later!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a big skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and let it shimmer. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing gently for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion soft and translucent, and the kitchen smelling incredible.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce
Add both the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and halved cherry tomatoes straight to your skillet. Sprinkle over the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you’re craving heat, salt, and black pepper. Let this bubble away gently, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens ever so slightly and smells entirely irresistible.
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Tumble all the fresh baby spinach into your skillet (it looks like a mountain at first, but don’t worry!). Stir it through the sauce until the leaves just wilt and turn a luscious green—about 2 minutes is plenty.
Step 5: Toss Together with Pasta
Add your cooked and drained pasta right into the skillet. Splash in a little reserved pasta water as needed, tossing gently until the noodles are glossy and coated in the tomato-spinach sauce. This step is where the magic happens—the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta thanks to that starchy water!
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Basil
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese (or your favorite vegan alternative). The cheese melts into the sauce, turning everything creamy. Finally, sprinkle with plenty of chopped fresh basil before serving your Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta hot and fragrant.
How to Serve Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta
Garnishes
Finish your pasta bowls with extra Parmesan, a handful of fresh basil flakes, and a twist of black pepper right before serving. For a brighter look and flavor, add a few halved cherry tomatoes or a drizzle of top-quality olive oil. This extra flourish makes Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta even more inviting!
Side Dishes
Pair with a simple green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to mop up any leftover sauce. If you’d like to round things out, grilled vegetables or a platter of marinated olives make excellent Mediterranean-inspired companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your pasta family-style in a large, shallow bowl for a casual, communal vibe. Or, twirl individual servings into little nests and top each with extra cheese and basil for a plated, restaurant-style feel. For a fun twist, try baking leftovers under a topping of breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of cheese until golden and bubbling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors truly deepen overnight—next-day pasta just might taste even better! If possible, store the basil garnish separately to keep it fresh.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in individual portions for up to 2 months. Let the pasta cool completely before sealing. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to reheat. Just know that the texture of the spinach may soften further, but the dish itself will still be delicious.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen up the sauce, stirring frequently until everything is warmed through. You can also microwave single servings in short bursts, stirring between each to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I make Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the Parmesan cheese for a plant-based alternative or use nutritional yeast for that signature umami flavor. Double-check that your pasta is egg-free, and you’ve got yourself a totally vegan meal.
What type Main Course, Pasta
This dish is super flexible—spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle all work beautifully. Go for whatever shape you love or have on hand. If you’re gluten-free, your favorite gluten-free pasta is perfect here, too.
How do I add more protein to the pasta?
Mix in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or drained white beans for an easy protein boost. Chickpeas work well for a vegetarian option. Just add your chosen protein in the final step to warm through before serving.
Do I have to use both canned and fresh tomatoes?
No, but using both gives a wonderful depth and a mix of flavors. Canned tomatoes provide richness and sauciness, while fresh cherry tomatoes add pops of sweetness. In a pinch, using only one will still give you Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta worth savoring!
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The tomato-spinach sauce can be made a day in advance, stored in the fridge, and quickly reheated. Simply cook the pasta fresh and toss it all together for a stress-free, lightning-fast meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a dish I return to again and again: it’s colorful, satisfying, and full of that just-from-the-garden freshness we all crave. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight but always feels special enough to share. I can’t wait for you to give it a try, add your own twist, and celebrate just how delicious simple can be!
Print
Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian (Vegan if using dairy-free cheese and pasta)
Description
This Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that comes together quickly for a perfect weeknight dinner. The combination of fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs makes this pasta a favorite for vegetarians and pasta lovers alike.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces spaghetti or penne pasta
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain the rest.
- Prepare Sauce: Sauté garlic and onion in olive oil. Add canned tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, seasonings. Simmer until thickened.
- Finish Dish: Add spinach to wilt, then combine with cooked pasta. Stir in reserved pasta water and Parmesan.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or white beans.
- Adjust by using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
- This dish reheats well and makes a great next-day lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
