Say hello to our latest dinner obsession: easy tomato and spinach pasta! Loaded with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, olive oil, and a kick of red pepper flakes! Unlike most creamy spinach recipes that call for cream cheese or heavy cream, this recipe only uses grated Parmesan. Use fresh spinach if possible, as frozen spinach lacks flavor and can be watery.

My Favorite Spinach Pasta Recipe

The fact that I love pasta is no secret. I probably have close to 100 pasta recipes on this website alone… and hundreds more I plan to make in my lifetime. But of all the pasta dishes I make, this easy tomato and spinach penne is one of my favorites.

Unlike most spinach pasta recipes that feature a creamy spinach element, this recipe keeps things light and flavorful. The “sauce” features fresh cherry tomatoes, that burst and release their delicious juices as they cook. We also add garlic, white wine, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. This is definitely one of those pasta dishes that’s simple, but oh-so-delicious!

What you need to Cook the Pasta:

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this RESTAURANT QUALITY pasta dish at home!

• Pasta: You’ll need 1 pound of dried pasta for this recipe. I don’t suggest using fresh pasta, but you can. The texture of the dish will just be a lot softer and drier. Almost any dried pasta variety will work, but penne is one of my favorites.
• Olive Oil: While you don’t need to use fancy olive oil, you should use a high-quality cooking olive oil. Use something you enjoy the taste of.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper adds spice and a different flavor profile than black pepper. If you don’t like spice, you can omit the red pepper flakes and use black pepper or no pepper at all.
• Grape Tomatoes: Or cherry tomatoes both work great! I don’t suggest using canned tomatoes. The best flavor will come from ripe and juicy tomatoes!
• Salt and Pepper: Adds flavor and enhances the flavors in the pasta dish.
• Fresh Garlic: Do not sub garlic powder or pre-minced garlic, which won’t add the same fresh flavor to the pasta dish.
• White Wine: I love using something dry but flavorful, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon blanc. Basically use something cost effective but delicious to drink. If you don’t drink, feel free to sub chicken broth or vegetable broth and add a teaspoon or two of lemon juice. The lemon juice will make up for the acidity found in the wine.
• Fresh Spinach: Although frozen spinach will technically work, I suggest using fresh. Frozen spinach often lacks flavor. And can cause the sauce to be watery.
• Parmesan Cheese: This is optional, and if you’re dairy-free or vegan, can easily be omitted. I like to add the Parmesan cheese right at the end, then stir to combine so it’s a little creamy. Then add more to the serving bowls!

Ready in about 20 minutes, this easy spinach pasta recipe is out-of-this world delicious!

Spinach Pasta Recipe: Step by Step

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt, then cook the pasta until al dente.
2. In the meantime, placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, tomatoes, salt and pepper, and cook until the tomatoes begin to burst.
3. Add in your garlic and glug of white wine, and cook for a few more minutes, This will create a flavorful tomato sauce without using any canned tomatoes!
4. At the very end, toss in your spinach and cook until soft. Add in the pasta, top with parmesan cheese, and enjoy!

P.S. You could easily make this recipe gluten free by using your favorite gluten free pasta!

More Pasta Recipes:

• Pasta Puttanesca
• One Pan Veggie Fajita Pasta
• Easy Pasta with Broccoli
• One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta (a great way to use up an excess of fresh basil!)
• Easy Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe 
• Simple Spaghetti Fra Diavolo

AND IF YOU TRY THIS PASTA WITH SPINACH AND TOMATOES RECIPE, LET ME KNOW! LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND DON’T FORGET TO SNAP A PIC AND TAG IT #BAKERBYNATURE ON INSTAGRAM! SEEING YOUR KITCHEN CREATIONS MAKES OUR DAY.

Easy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Ashley Manila

Easy Tomato and Spinach Pasta! Loaded with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, olive oil, and a kick of red pepper flakes! This quick and easy pasta recipe is fast, flavorful, and budget friendly!

4.95 from 71 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

 

• 1 lb penne (or your preferred pasta variety)
• 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
• Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. 
• Add oil to a large, wide pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add in the crushed red pepper flakes, tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and cook until the tomatoes begin to burst and give off their juices, about 9 to 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to gently press the tomatoes if they’re not bursting on their own. 
• Add in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the wine and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Finally, stir in the spinach and cook until slightly wilted. 
• In the meantime, add the penne into the boiling water and cook for 9 to 10 minutes, or until al dente.
• Drain the pasta, reserving a 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
• Toss the pasta immediately into the pot with the sauce and stir well to combine. Add in some of the reserved cooking water, if needed. Taste and add additional salt and pepper, if needed. 
• Remove from heat and divide among serving bowls. Top with cheese and serve at once! 

Tried it and loved it?Snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @Bakerbynature and by using the hashtag #BakerByNature