Garlic & Herb Spaghetti with Spinach and Roasted Tomatoes

Description

This Garlic & Herb Spaghetti with Spinach and Roasted Tomatoes is a fresh, vibrant pasta dish bursting with flavor. Sweet roasted tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and tender spinach are tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and finished with herbs and a light, silky sauce. It’s simple, wholesome, and perfect for a quick yet elegant meal.

 Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the Roasted Tomatoes:

• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt & black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic (sliced or minced)
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water
• 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

 Instructions

1. Roast the Tomatoes

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.
• Roast for 15–20 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.

2. Cook the Pasta

• Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente.
• Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

3. Make Garlic Herb Base

• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
• Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
• Add red pepper flakes if using.

4. Add Spinach

• Toss in spinach and cook until wilted.

5. Combine Everything

• Add cooked pasta and roasted tomatoes to the pan.
• Pour in reserved pasta water and toss well to coat.

6. Finish

• Add fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.
• Toss and serve immediately.

 Tips

• Use high-quality olive oil for best flavor.
• Don’t overcook garlic—it can turn bitter.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish 🍋

 Notes

• This recipe is naturally vegetarian (skip cheese for vegan).
• Pasta water helps create a silky sauce—don’t skip it.
• Roasting tomatoes enhances sweetness and depth.

 Servings

• Serves: 3–4 people

 Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 4g

Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants (tomatoes, spinach)
• Provides iron and vitamins from greens
• Balanced and light yet satisfying
• Heart-healthy fats from olive oil

 Q&A

Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A: Yes! Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work great.

Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Yes, just skip Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Q: Can I add protein?
A: Absolutely—chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great additions.

Q: Why add pasta water?
A: It helps bind the sauce and gives a silky texture.