It’s simple to rely on frozen dinners or takeout when you’re balancing a hectic schedule. However, pasta is a great option for easy, filling dinners that don’t take hours to prepare. You can prepare a number of pasta dishes in 30 minutes or less if you have the correct components and a little imagination. Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes is an easy yet delicious pasta dish that’s ideal for hectic weeknights.
Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes
The freshness of spinach and cherry tomatoes are combined with the savory tastes of Parmesan and garlic in this simple one-pan pasta recipe. It’s a fantastic method to include vegetables without sacrificing the meal’s richness, flavor, or satisfaction. This recipe will quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation, regardless of whether you’re cooking for a single person or the entire family.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti (or any pasta you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water generously to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once it’s al dente, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2 minutes, until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume. If the mixture starts to look too dry, you can add a small splash of the reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the garlic, tomatoes, and spinach. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), and a little more pasta water if needed to make the sauce creamy and smooth. Stir everything together until the cheese has melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
- Season and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Why This Pasta Recipe Works for Busy Weeks
- Quick and Simple: With just a few basic ingredients and a total cook time of around 20 minutes, this pasta is perfect for a weeknight when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.
- One-Pan Meal: It’s cooked entirely in one skillet, meaning minimal cleanup after dinner. Just a pot for boiling the pasta and a pan for the sauce!
- Versatile: You can easily swap out the spinach for other greens like kale or arugula, or add in other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. The dish is customizable to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Nutritious: Packed with fresh spinach, tomatoes, and a dose of healthy olive oil, this dish gives you a balanced meal with plenty of fiber and vitamins.
Meal Prep Tip
You can cook the pasta and sauce separately and then combine them when you’re ready to serve if you’re making this dish ahead of time. It is an excellent choice for meal preparation because it stores nicely in the refrigerator for up to three days. To revive it, simply reheat it in a skillet with a little water or broth.
An excellent illustration of how pasta can be both nutrient-dense and quick is this garlic Parmesan spaghetti with spinach and cherry tomatoes. It’s a great option for hectic weeknights when you need something filling quickly because it’s tasty, cozy, and only needs a few ingredients.