Pasta con Spinaci e Pomodorini: A Step-by-Step Guide
Pasta con Spinaci e Pomodorini
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or frying pan
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces of spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves minced
- Cherry Tomatoes: 2 cups halved
- Spinach: 4 cups fresh or 1 cup frozen
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated (plus more for serving)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Red Pepper Flakes: optional for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Method
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Tomatoes:
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to release their juices.
- Incorporate Spinach:
- Stir in the fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach) into the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach and tomatoes. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Season and Serve:
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Mix well to combine and ensure everything is coated with the sauce.
- Plate and Enjoy:
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.
- Vegetable Swap: Try other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and omit the cheese entirely.
Pasta con Spinaci e Pomodorini is a delightful Italian dish that combines the fresh flavors of spinach and sweet cherry tomatoes with pasta, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal. From my own personal experience, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also a fantastic way to enjoy nutritious ingredients in a simple yet elegant manner. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Let me show you how I make this delicious pasta.
Notes on What to Expect
When you prepare Pasta con Spinaci e Pomodorini, you can expect a colorful dish full of fresh flavors. The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and spinach creates a light sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. The dish is not only visually appealing but also very comforting and satisfying.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Time to Stand: None
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 320 calories
- Cost of Ingredients: Approximately $10
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or frying pan
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Spinaci e Pomodorini now.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces of spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Cherry Tomatoes: 2 cups, halved
- Spinach: 4 cups fresh (or 1 cup frozen)
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated (plus more for serving)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Red Pepper Flakes: optional, for a bit of heat
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Spinaci e Pomodorini now.
Method
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Tomatoes:
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to release their juices.
- Incorporate Spinach:
- Stir in the fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach) into the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts down, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach and tomatoes. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Season and Serve:
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Mix well to combine and ensure everything is coated with the sauce.
- Plate and Enjoy:
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Variations
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.
- Vegetable Swap: Try other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and omit the cheese entirely.
Tips and Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.
- Dairy-Free: Omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Pasta con Spinaci e Pomodorini now.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
Conclusion
I hope this guide has made making Pasta con Spinaci e Pomodorini seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment! Enjoy your cooking journey!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>