Description
A quick, vibrant, and nutritious pasta dish combining fresh spinach, rich sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, finished with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this adaptable recipe delivers bold flavors and wholesome ingredients in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- Pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, spaghetti): 12 oz (340 g)
- Fresh spinach: 5 cups (about 150 g), washed
- Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred): 1/2 cup, chopped
Aromatics and Seasonings
- Garlic cloves: 3, minced
- Olive oil (extra virgin): 3 tablespoons
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper, freshly ground: to taste
Finishing
- Parmesan cheese, grated: 1/3 cup (about 30 g)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes to infuse the oil with their flavor.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring continuously until wilted and bright green, roughly 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the spinach and tomato mixture. If the pasta appears dry, gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Gently toss to combine, allowing the cheese to melt slightly and create a silky texture before serving.
Notes
- Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richer flavor; rehydrate dry ones before cooking.
- Add spinach last and stir gently to preserve its bright color and tender texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Use freshly minced garlic for the best aroma and taste.
- Taste before adding salt since sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan are naturally salty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg