Penne with spinach and tomatoes

Penne with spinach and tomatoes: a delicious, simple, and quick recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

If you are looking for a pasta recipe that is not only tasty but also healthy, penne with spinach and tomatoes is the perfect choice. This recipe, inspired by everyday dishes, combines the fresh flavors of vegetables with the pleasant texture of pasta, resulting in a light and savory meal. Whether you are preparing for a family dinner or simply want to treat yourself to something good, this recipe will bring a smile to your face!

Ingredients:
- 250 g penne pasta
- A plate full of fresh spinach (about 200 g)
- A can of diced tomatoes (400 g)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 300 g goat cheese or grated Parmesan (or a hard cheese, if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, add water and a pinch of salt. Wait for it to boil, then add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions to achieve an "al dente" consistency. This step is crucial to ensure that the pasta does not become too soft when mixed with the sauce.

2. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and let it sauté for about a minute. Be sure not to burn the garlic, as it will acquire a bitter taste.

3. Add the tomatoes: Once the garlic is golden and fragrant, add the diced tomatoes. Mix well and cover the skillet with a lid, allowing the sauce to simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes. This time will allow the flavors to develop and blend perfectly.

4. Spinach: Wash the spinach well under cold running water, then drain it. You can chop it into slices or tear it by hand, according to your preference. Add it to the skillet over the tomato sauce and mix. Cover again with the lid and let it simmer for a few minutes until the spinach wilts. It is important not to overcook it to preserve its vitamins and crunchy texture.

5. Seasoning: Once the spinach has wilted, season the tomato and spinach sauce with salt and pepper to taste. This is an essential step as it will influence the entire dish.

6. Finalizing the dish: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Then, add the goat cheese or grated Parmesan and mix again, allowing the cheese to melt slightly in the warm sauce.

7. Serving: Serve the pasta hot, possibly with a drizzle of olive oil on top and, if desired, sprinkle a bit of additional grated cheese. This penne with spinach and tomatoes pairs wonderfully with a semi-dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors of the dish.

Practical tips:
- You can also add other vegetables to the sauce, such as zucchini or bell peppers, for added color and nutrients.
- If you like stronger flavors, you can add a bit of chili pepper or chili flakes.
- Instead of goat cheese, you can use feta for a saltier taste and a different texture.
- If you want an even heartier meal, you can add chicken or shrimp to the tomato sauce.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This penne with spinach and tomatoes recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. Spinach is rich in vitamins A and C, as well as iron. Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and whole grain pasta (if you choose to use it) adds essential fiber. A serving of this dish has about 500-600 calories, depending on the type of cheese used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can whole grain pasta be used? Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is an excellent option for adding fiber and additional nutrients.
- Can frozen spinach be used? Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze it well before adding it to the sauce.
- How can I adapt the recipe for a vegan diet? Replace the goat cheese with a vegan alternative and ensure that the pasta does not contain eggs.

This penne with spinach and tomatoes recipe is not only simple but also a wonderful way to add vegetables to your daily diet. Whether you prepare it for a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a weekend lunch, it is sure to be appreciated by everyone. So, embrace the flavor of this pasta and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 250 g pasta (penne) a plateful of spinach a can of diced tomatoes a few cloves of garlic (to taste) pepper salt 300 g parmesan/goat cheese or other hard cheese

 Tags:  pasta with spinach penne spinach paste