Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, where vibrant spinach, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella come together in a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. This simple yet irresistible recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that promises restaurant-quality deliciousness in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress dinner guests with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 2 cups of fresh spinach, 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of cubed mozzarella cheese, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and then add the 8 oz of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, add the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) to the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- After the tomatoes have simmered, add the 2 cups of fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the tomato and spinach mixture.
- Gently toss the pasta with the tomato and spinach mixture, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to help combine everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, add the 1 cup of cubed mozzarella cheese to the pasta and gently fold it in until it begins to melt slightly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the cheese to melt further. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh spinach or basil if desired.
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously – it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from the inside out. • Reserve some pasta water before draining, as its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your noodles. • Use fresh spinach for the brightest color and most vibrant flavor, and add it at the last moment to maintain its beautiful green color and nutrients. • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh basil leaves when serving. • Use high-quality mozzarella that melts easily for the creamiest texture. • Don't overcook the garlic – it should be fragrant but not browned, which can make it bitter.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
