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- 8 oz (225g) whole wheat spaghetti - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, diced - 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a plant-based alternative) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - ½ teaspoon lemon zest for brightness - ¼ cup sliced black olives for a salty kick - A handful of pine nuts for crunch - A splash of balsamic vinegar for depth This dish is packed with nutrients. Whole wheat spaghetti provides fiber and energy. Spinach is rich in iron and vitamins A and C. Tomatoes offer antioxidants, beneficial for heart health. Olive oil adds healthy fats. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving (about 1 cup): - Calories: 350 - Protein: 12g - Carbohydrates: 50g - Fat: 12g - Fiber: 7g - Sugars: 5g This meal is not just tasty; it also supports a balanced diet. Enjoy the health benefits while relishing the rich flavors! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of whole wheat spaghetti. Cook it until al dente, following the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside for later. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add 1 small diced onion. Sauté it until soft and see-through, which takes about 4 to 5 minutes. After that, mix in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Now, add 4 cups of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Stir it until wilted, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Once the spinach is wilted, it's time to add more flavor. Stir in 1 can of drained diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and dried oregano, and some salt and pepper to taste. If you like heat, add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Next, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together well. If it feels too dry, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the right consistency. Finally, mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts throughout the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra cheese if you like. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful spinach tomato pasta! To enhance the taste of your spinach tomato pasta, use fresh ingredients. Fresh spinach brings a vibrant taste. Fresh tomatoes can add sweetness and depth. Use good quality olive oil for a rich flavor. Don’t skip the garlic; it adds a lovely aroma. Dried herbs like basil and oregano boost the taste. For more depth, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can also use fresh chili for a different flavor. For milder flavors, skip the red pepper flakes. Balance spicy with a sprinkle of sugar if needed. Always taste your dish before serving to get it just right. Whole wheat spaghetti is my go-to for this dish. It adds fiber and a nutty flavor. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce later. This water helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Remember, the right pasta can make a big difference! Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh spinach and high-quality tomatoes will elevate the flavor of this dish significantly. Adjust the Spice Level: If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is starchy and helps to create a silky sauce that clings to the spaghetti. Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be added at the end for an extra burst of flavor and freshness. {{image_2}} You can boost the nutrition of your Spinach Tomato Pasta by adding proteins. Chicken breast, shrimp, or ground turkey all work well. Cook the protein in the skillet before adding the vegetables. For a plant-based option, try chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and fiber to the dish. While the base recipe is delicious, you can switch up the sauce. A creamy white sauce can create a rich flavor. Alternatively, a pesto sauce gives a fresh twist. You can even blend the tomatoes with basil for a smooth sauce. Explore different flavors to keep your meals exciting! Making this dish vegetarian or vegan is easy. For the cheese, try a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast can also give a cheesy flavor without dairy. If you want more veggies, add bell peppers or zucchini. They add color and nutrients while keeping the dish light and tasty. After making your spinach tomato pasta, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to three days. Always label the container with the date to track freshness. When you're ready to eat, just grab it from the fridge. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir frequently until it's hot all the way through. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. Check if it’s hot enough before serving. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Choose ripe tomatoes for great flavor. Chop about 2-3 medium tomatoes. Cook them down for 8-10 minutes. This will help them break down and blend well with the pasta. Fresh tomatoes give a nice, bright taste to the dish. You may need a bit more salt since fresh tomatoes can be less salty than canned ones. Spinach tomato pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy treat. - A simple green salad with a light dressing. - Roasted vegetables for extra color and flavor. - Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. These sides enhance your meal and make it more filling. To make this dish gluten-free, swap the whole wheat spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. There are many options like brown rice or quinoa pasta. Cook them according to package instructions. Check the labels to ensure they fit your dietary needs. You can enjoy the same great taste without the gluten! This blog post covered all key areas for making delicious spinach tomato pasta. You learned about ingredients, prep steps, and tips to boost flavor. We also explored variations and storage methods to keep your dish fresh. Remember, cooking is about being creative. Don’t hesitate to try new ingredients and adjustments to suit your taste. Enjoy your pasta journey!

Vibrant Spinach Tomato Pasta

A delicious and healthy pasta dish featuring fresh spinach and tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz whole wheat spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a plant-based alternative)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
  • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Incorporate the diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to mix everything together. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (or plant-based alternative) and mix well until the cheese is melted and integrated throughout the dish.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or protein as desired.
Keyword healthy, pasta, spinach, tomato, vegetarian