Easy Tomato and Spinach Pasta

Greetings all!

Do you hate wasting food? Me too, even if it is just a handful of spinach and one tomato! Google to the rescue – and that is how I found the Easy Tomato and Spinach Pasta recipe, which I very much enjoyed! 

Image and recipe from 

https://bakerbynature.com/easy-tomato-and-spinach-pasta/

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 (I used a regular tomato)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (I skipped)
• 1 cup white wine or chicken broth (I skipped)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional, I used goat cheese)

My lazy variation:

• Cook pasta according to instructions.
• In a skillet, heat up olive oil.
• Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, cook for 8-10 minutes on low-medium heat.
• Stir in the spinach and cook until slightly wilted, 2-3 minutes.
• Serve with cheese.

Full 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! 

Bon Appetit! Let me know how you like it!