– 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups fresh spinach
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Creating your Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta is straightforward when you follow these simple steps:
1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the cherry tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
4. Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir until it wilts down, which will only take a couple of minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in the reserved pasta water gradually, tossing everything together until well combined and coated.