– 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
– 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Creating this Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is a breeze. Follow these steps for the best results:
1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes: Toss the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
4. Incorporate Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Stir to combine and allow it to wilt, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce.
6. Season: Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to your liking. Mix well.
7. Serve: Turn off the heat and plate the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
8. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy this delicious dish!
Each step in the process allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through, resulting in a dish that is both simple and satisfying.