Pasta With Spinach
A flavorful pasta dish featuring spinach, tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, perfect for a quick, healthy, and satisfying vegetarian meal with Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the frozen spinach in a large frypan with 1/2 cup olive oil and 4 or 5 large garlic cloves until tender; remove and set aside.
- In the same frypan, add 1 cup olive oil, 4 or 5 garlic cloves, red pepper seed, capers, basil, and parsley; simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes to the frypan and simmer for about 1 hour.
- Cook the penne pasta until al dente, then drain and mix with the cooked spinach.
- Pour the tomato and herb sauce over the pasta and spinach mixture.
- Serve garnished with grated cheese and optional black olives.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh spinach instead of frozen. If you like a bit of heat, increase the red pepper seed or add some crushed red pepper flakes. You can substitute the penne pasta with any pasta shape you prefer. Fresh herbs are always best, but dried herbs can work in a pinch. For a creamier texture, stir in some cream or a dollop of yogurt.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a side of Mediterranean recipes, such as Eggplant Salad With Tomatoes And Feta Cheese or a refreshing Yogurt And Cucumber Dip. Serve it with a sprinkle of grated cheese on top and a side of crusty bread for a complete meal. A light white wine can complement the flavors very well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil and warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short increments, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Spinach contains roughly 510 calories, with 29g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (243% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (108% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 830mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You'll need about 10 ounces of fresh spinach, which should be sautéed until wilted before mixing with the pasta. Fresh spinach has a brighter flavor and will add a lovely texture to the dish.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. These options will enhance the dish while keeping it satisfying. If you want a vegetarian option, cannellini beans or lentils can also work well.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative. There are many options available in stores today, such as rice or quinoa pasta, which will work well without compromising flavor or texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).