Monday Night Pasta Quick and Easy
Turn your busy weeknight into a culinary delight with our "Monday Night Pasta Quick and Easy" recipe! In just 25 minutes, this comforting dish comes together with simple pantry staples like spaghetti, olive oil, and garlic, paired with fresh cherry tomatoes and baby spinach for a burst of flavor and nutrients. A touch of Parmesan cheese melts into the pasta for a creamy finish, and optional red pepper flakes add a gentle heat. Perfect for a quick family dinner or an effortless meal for two, this easy pasta recipe keeps things light, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that’ll have you savoring every bite, stress-free!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup pasta cooking water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
If using, add the crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir for 30 seconds.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to release their juices.
Stir in the baby spinach, cooking for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
Lower the heat and add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine the pasta with the vegetables.
Pour in a little of the reserved pasta cooking water (start with 1/4 cup) to loosen the sauce. Add more as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Season the pasta with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss again until the cheese melts and coats the spaghetti.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
979 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.7 g | 56% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.0 g | 65% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3097 mg | 135% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 112.2 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.2 g | 40% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.8 g | ||
| Protein | 38.1 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 566 mg | 44% | |
| Iron | 7.8 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 1143 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
