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Tomato and Spinach Penne Pasta Recipe

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4 from 6 reviews

A vibrant and healthy Tomato and Spinach Pasta recipe that combines al dente penne with a flavorful tomato and garlic sauce, enhanced by fresh spinach and optionally topped with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick, nutritious meal in just 35 minutes.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb penne (or your preferred pasta variety)

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 pints grape tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Toppings

  • Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the penne and cook for 9 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving half a cup of pasta water.
  2. Prepare Sauce Base: In a large, wide pot, heat olive oil over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Add crushed red pepper flakes, grape tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 9 to 10 minutes, pressing tomatoes gently with a wooden spoon to release their juices and encourage bursting.
  3. Add Garlic and Wine: Stir in the sliced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  4. Include Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook just until it wilts slightly, which usually takes a few minutes.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Immediately toss the drained pasta into the pot with the tomato and spinach sauce. Stir well to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce for better coating.
  6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the pasta and sauce mixture, adjusting salt and pepper if necessary. Remove from heat, divide into serving bowls, and top with Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use grape or cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and ease of bursting.
  • White wine can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency – it contains starch which helps bind the sauce.
  • For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based substitute.
  • Cooking times for pasta may vary depending on brand, so check for al dente according to package instructions.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Entree
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://yourdailycook.com/tomato-and-spinach-penne-pasta-recipe/