Gluten-Free Pasta Primavera with Garlic and Baby Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful pasta primavera featuring gluten-free penne tossed with garlic, sautéed baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan for a fresh vegetarian meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs gluten-free penne pasta, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz gluten-free penne pasta and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and beginning to release juices.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups baby spinach and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss gently for 1-2 minutes to combine and coat pasta.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gluten-Free Pasta Primavera with Garlic and Baby Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Gluten-Free Pasta Primavera with Garlic and Baby Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep gluten-free penne pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gluten-Free Pasta Primavera with Garlic and Baby Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gluten-Free Pasta Primavera with Garlic and Baby Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Gluten-Free Pasta Primavera with Garlic and Baby Spinach vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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