Imagine twirling your fork into a vibrant plate of perfectly cooked farfalle pasta, bursting with the fresh flavors of ripe cherry tomatoes, sweet onions, and tender spinach. This mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience in just 25 minutes! Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate food lover, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning dinner guests.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Farfalle pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- Onion
- Spinach
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like sea water to properly season the pasta.
- While the water is heating, prepare your vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, and roughly chop the spinach leaves.
- Add the farfalle pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with additional black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Salt is your secret weapon: Ensure your pasta water is as salty as the sea to infuse flavor from the start.
- Don't overcook the pasta—al dente is key! Test a piece 1-2 minutes before the package instructions suggest.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining—its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Sauté vegetables in order of cooking time: onions first, then garlic, then tomatoes and spinach.
- Toss the pasta in the skillet to help it absorb the vegetable flavors and create a more cohesive dish.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
- Optional: Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
