Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a burst of vibrant flavors? Look no further than this delightful Grape Tomato Olive and Spinach Penne! This Italian-inspired dish combines the juiciness of grape tomatoes, the briny goodness of black olives, and the freshness of spinach, all tossed together with perfectly cooked penne pasta. In just 25 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to savor every bite and discover why this recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Halve the grape tomatoes, slice the black olives, and roughly chop the fresh spinach. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot.
- Add the halved grape tomatoes and sliced black olives to the skillet with garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften slightly.
- Transfer the tomato and olive mixture to the pot with the pasta. Add fresh spinach and toss gently to combine.
- If the mixture seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce and wilt the spinach.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnishing with additional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve that ideal al dente texture, be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking the penne, and don’t forget to salt your boiling water generously. It enhances the pasta's flavor!
- Prep Ahead: Save time by prepping your ingredients before you start cooking. Chop the vegetables and mince the garlic in advance to streamline the cooking process.
- Garlic Alert: When sautéing the garlic, keep a close eye on it. It only needs 30-45 seconds to become fragrant; overcooking can lead to bitterness.
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t discard all the pasta water! The starchy water is a great way to adjust the consistency of your sauce, making it creamy without adding extra fat.
- Customization: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients! Bell peppers, artichokes, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add extra flavor and excitement to this dish.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, serve your pasta with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- Leftover Love: This dish keeps well in the fridge, so make extra for lunch the next day! Just reheat gently and add a splash of olive oil to bring it back to life.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
