Description
I still remember the first time I tossed together this Fresh Spinach and Tomato Pasta on a balmy summer evening. As the sun dipped below the horizon, I could smell the sweet aroma of sizzling garlic wafting through the kitchen, mingling with the vibrant colors of the tomatoes from my garden. It was one of those moments that reminded me how simple ingredients can create pure magic on a plate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package linguine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup tomatoes (grape, cherry, etc., cut in halves)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the linguine and cook it 'al dente,' following package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). This ensures the pasta remains firm yet tender.
- Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta is cooking, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.
- Add the Tomatoes: Toss in the halved tomatoes and sprinkle Italian seasoning into the skillet. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and burst with juicy goodness, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Incorporate the Spinach: Gently stir in the fresh baby spinach, cooking for just 1-2 minutes until it wilts down into the sauce, turning a vibrant green.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the linguine. Add it directly to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Toss and Serve: Carefully toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the flavorful sauce. Serve immediately, garnishing with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Timing is Key: Don’t overcook the tomatoes; they should be soft but still hold their shape for the perfect sauce texture.
- Herb Boost: For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle fresh basil just before serving. It elevates the dish with aromatic notes.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve pasta water! Adding a bit of it to the skillet helps bind the sauce and enhances the overall flavor of your Fresh Spinach and Tomato Pasta.
- Tasting is Important: Season with salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go. This ensures the dish is perfectly seasoned without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Swap It Up: Don’t hesitate to adapt! Consider adding proteins like Italian sausage or grilled shrimp for a heartier meal, or sneak in seasonal veggies for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg