Elevate your weeknight pasta game with this vibrant Spinach Olive and Chilli Tomato Sauce for Pastaβa quick and flavorful recipe that brings bold Mediterranean flair to your table. This one-pan sauce combines the rich tang of crushed tomatoes, the subtle heat of red chilli flakes, and the savory brininess of sliced olives, all balanced with a touch of sugar and fragrant dried oregano. Baby spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, while fresh garlic infuses every bite with aromatic depth. Tossed with your pasta of choice and finished with fresh basil and Parmesan (if desired), this wholesome, 35-minute meal is perfect for busy nights yet impressive enough for dinner guests. Enjoy a satisfying blend of heat, zest, and heartiness with every forkful!
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and red chilli flakes to the pan, stirring frequently, and cook for 1β2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour the canned crushed tomatoes into the pan and stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
Add the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the sauce. Stir to incorporate. Simmer uncovered for 10β15 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken the sauce slightly.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve Β½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Add the baby spinach leaves to the tomato sauce and stir until wilted, about 2β3 minutes.
Stir in the sliced olives and let the sauce simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.
Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until evenly coated.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Calories |
1392 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 60.4 g | 77% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.5 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 40 mg | 13% | |
| Sodium | 3155 mg | 137% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 166.5 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.4 g | 73% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.6 g | ||
| Protein | 52.8 g | 106% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 891 mg | 69% | |
| Iron | 14.1 mg | 78% | |
| Potassium | 2344 mg | 50% | |
*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.