Spinach Tomato Pasta

Let’s be honest, on most days we’re craving pasta. Spinach tomato pasta answers those cravings; in just 20 minutes you can have pasta dinner on the table. This quick spinach and tomato pasta recipe features an extra flavor punch from garlic and red pepper for a quick, nutritious and easy weeknight dinner.

If you have time, prepare some tomato-herb focaccia or a Greek salad to go with it.

Spinach Tomato Pasta Ingredients

• Penne pasta: You can use your brand of choice here.
• Garlic cloves: An aromatic and savory herb that is pretty much essential to a good pasta recipe. Mince fresh cloves, whenever possible.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: This provides a mild heat to the dish; it won’t be too hot and will help balance the flavors.
• Garbanzo beans: These sneak in some extra protein to make the dish more filling and nutritious. These are the same thing as chickpeas.
• Tomatoes: Tomatoes are sweet, juicy and acidic. We use fresh tomatoes in this recipe for optimal texture and flavor.
• Fresh baby spinach: The spinach will wilt when cooked with the other veggies, soft and packed with nutrients.
• Parmesan cheese: A salty and savory cheese that will be sprinkled into the dish and can be used as an additional topping.

Directions

Step 1: Cook your ingredients

Danielle Moore for Taste of HOme

Cook the pasta according to your package’s directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the garlic and pepper flakes in oil for one minute. Add the garbanzo beans and tomatoes, cook and stir them for two minutes. Add the spinach and salt. Cook and stir until the spinach is wilted.

Step 2: Prepare your pasta

Danielle Moore for Taste of HOme

Drain the pasta and add it to the vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toss to coat. Serve with the additional Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Danielle Moore for Taste of HOme

Spinach Tomato Pasta Variations

• Add chicken: To make it a heartier and more protein-rich dish, add baked or rotisserie chicken. You could add tofu instead to keep it vegetarian.
• Make it Mediterranean: To play up the Mediterranean-inspired flavors, add some capers and chopped kalamata olives.
• Add cheese: The flavors in this pasta are compatible with a favorite of cheeses, including mozzarella, feta and goat so you can pick your favorite!

How to Store Spinach Tomato Pasta

Spinach and tomato pasta makes great leftovers. You can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. Warm it up on the stove.

Can you freeze spinach tomato pasta?

Yep! It’s easy to freeze because it doesn’t have a creamy sauce. If you prefer this with fresh tomatoes, freeze everything but the tomatoes. You can also toss the fully finished dish into the freezer, too. Warm up on the stove.

Spinach Tomato Pasta Tips

Danielle Moore for Taste of HOme

Can you make this dish gluten-free?

Yes. Just use gluten-free pasta, and pair it with some of our other gluten-free Italian recipes.

Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?

For sure—you can use whatever you prefer. Just make sure to pay attention to cooking times.

How can I keep my pasta from sticking?

If your pasta isn’t cooperating while cooking, make sure that you’re using 3 quarts of water for every 8 ounces of pasta. And don’t add your pasta to the water before it’s boiling. Then, get ready to enjoy your pasta with spinach and tomatoes.