Cherry Tomato & Spinach Pasta

Hey All! We're wrapping up the year around here and keeping things light and easy this week. Here's one of my favorite 15 minute pasta dishes. It's vegetarian friendly and it can easily be modified into a vegan dish. I personally like to pair this pasta with some thin pan fried chicken cutlets but do whatever suits you!

Note: I sauté minced garlic and remove it only to add it back to the pan with the spinach. I do this to prevent the garlic from burning. An easier method is to sauté a garlic clove with the tomatoes, remove it and add some minced garlic with the spianch. I am not a chef. I just cook and figure it out as I go. 😅

Alright lets get to it...

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes

• 2 cups spinach

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

• salt & pepper to taste

• thin spaghetti (about half of a 16 oz package)

• pinch of bouillon optional

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large stock pot, cook spaghetti according to package. Don't forget to salt the water and reserve at least one cup of pasta water.

   
   

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes followed by a pinch of salt and pepper. Combine well and continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

   
   

3. Remove garlic and reserve (remove as much as you can). Reduce heat and continue to cook tomatoes until tender, about 7 to 8 minutes.

   
   

4. Once tomatoes are tender and bursting, burst remaining tomatoes with a wooden spatula. Add spinach, followed by (reserved) garlic, red pepper flakes and another pinch of salt and pepper or add a dash of bouillon instead. Combine well.

   
   

5. Add cooked spaghetti with about 1/4 cup of pasta water. This marries the flavors and adds a nice consistency. If the pasta is looking dry, add an additional 1/4 cup of pasta water. Combine well, and garnish with parmesan cheese.

That's it. Simple, light and fresh. You can't mess this up. You might under-salt (or over-salt) but that happens to everyone. Just remember to season the tomatoes before and after the addition of spinach. I like to add some extra red pepper flakes for garnish as well.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Xx