Quick Garlicky Spinach and Tomato Pasta
A fast and effortless pasta dish combining tender spinach and fresh tomatoes with a garlic olive oil sauce. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 5 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated, optional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and golden, careful not to burn.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until they soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Stir in 5 cups fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 5: Add drained pasta and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss everything together for 1 minute until the sauce lightly coats the pasta. Serve topped with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Garlicky Spinach and Tomato Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Quick Garlicky Spinach and Tomato Pasta?
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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Garlicky Spinach and Tomato Pasta?
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 Quick Garlicky Spinach and Tomato Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Quick Garlicky Spinach and Tomato Pasta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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