Name: Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 4 cups fresh baby spinach; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving); 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Spinach Tomato Pasta is one of those feel-good, quick-to-make meals that always manages to impress, no matter how hectic your day has been. With bright, juicy tomatoes, tender baby spinach, and a cozy tangle of pasta all tossed in a garlicky sauce, this dish is as comforting as it is vibrant. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor or a beautiful vegetarian option to share with friends, Spinach Tomato Pasta is your go-to recipe for simple Italian-inspired goodness.

Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Spinach Tomato Pasta recipe plays a special part, from the hearty pasta to the aromatic garlic and the burst of color from fresh spinach. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, you’ll create a dish that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.

8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti): Choose your favorite shape; penne catches the sauce beautifully, while spaghetti gives a classic twirl.
1 tablespoon olive oil: A good olive oil adds richness and depth to the sautéed garlic and forms the base of your sauce.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic infuses the dish with a savory, irresistible aroma—don’t skip it!
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat that wakes up the flavors, but leave it out if you prefer mild.
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: This provides the juicy, tangy backbone of your sauce—use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Tomato paste gives the sauce a luscious, concentrated tomato flavor that clings to every bite.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Mediterranean flavor to the dish.
4 cups fresh baby spinach: Wilts down beautifully, adding color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving): Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding a creamy, salty finish—don’t forget extra for sprinkling!
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if needed): This starchy liquid helps bring the sauce and pasta together for a silky texture.

How to Make Spinach Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before you drain it—this little trick will help your Spinach Tomato Pasta sauce cling to every noodle.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and, if you’re in the mood for a bit of warmth, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, releasing all those savory aromas that signal something delicious is underway.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes—juices and all—followed by the tomato paste, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir, then let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and lets the flavors meld together, creating the perfect base for your Spinach Tomato Pasta.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

Toss in the fresh baby spinach and watch as it wilts down in just a couple of minutes. The spinach adds gorgeous color and a boost of nutrition, transforming the sauce into something truly special without overpowering the other flavors.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine. If the sauce looks a bit thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until you reach the perfect consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and taste to adjust seasoning. The cheese melts right in, making the Spinach Tomato Pasta extra creamy and full of savory depth.

How to Serve Spinach Tomato Pasta

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly grated Parmesan is always a winner, but you can also sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of green and a hint of freshness. For a little added crunch, scatter some toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs over each bowl.

Side Dishes

Spinach Tomato Pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or classic garlic bread for sopping up every last drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, also make a colorful and wholesome addition to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner, serve the pasta family-style in a big, shallow bowl. Hosting guests? Try twirling individual portions into neat nests with tongs and nestling them onto plates with a swirl of sauce. Or serve your Spinach Tomato Pasta in oven-proof dishes topped with extra cheese, then broil for a bubbly, golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let your Spinach Tomato Pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for easy lunches or a quick reheated dinner.

Freezing

While pasta dishes with a tomato-based sauce generally freeze well, spinach can lose some of its texture after thawing. If freezing, let the pasta cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. For best results, undercook the pasta slightly before freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply add a splash of water or broth to the pasta and warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often. You can also microwave it, loosely covered, in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. A fresh sprinkle of Parmesan before serving revives the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make Spinach Tomato Pasta vegan?

Absolutely! Just leave out the Parmesan cheese or swap it for your favorite plant-based alternative. The sauce is so flavorful you won’t miss a thing.

What protein can I add to make it more filling?

Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans are all tasty additions that blend seamlessly with the sauce. Simply stir them in at the end or serve on top.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Thaw it first and squeeze out excess liquid before adding it to the sauce to avoid watering down your Spinach Tomato Pasta.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?

Toss the drained pasta with a drizzle of olive oil while you prepare the sauce, or mix it into the sauce right away so it stays silky and separated.

Is this recipe gluten free?

The recipe as written uses regular pasta, but you can easily substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta to make Spinach Tomato Pasta completely gluten free.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s fresh, flavorful, and comes together in a snap, you can’t go wrong with Spinach Tomato Pasta. It’s a dish I come back to again and again, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too! Give it a try and savor every twirl.

Spinach Tomato Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Spinach Tomato Pasta is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired vegetarian dish, featuring a vibrant tomato sauce simmered with garlic and spices, fresh baby spinach, and tender pasta tossed with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it can be easily customized with added proteins or vegan options.

Ingredients

Scale

pasta

8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)

sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

vegetables and cheese

4 cups fresh baby spinach
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and seasonings: Add diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
Cook the spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Finish with cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve: Serve warm with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.