Pasta Toss with a Kick
Elevate your weeknight dinner with "Pasta Toss with a Kick," a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that's as quick as it is satisfying! Featuring al dente pasta tossed in a zesty combination of garlic, red chili flakes, and fresh lemon juice, this recipe balances a spicy edge with the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes and caramelized zucchini. Baby spinach adds a touch of greens, while Parmesan cheese provides a rich creaminess. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil, this 30-minute creation is perfect for those who crave a bold, easy-to-make meal packed with wholesome vegetables and a touch of heat. Whether you're feeding a family or treating yourself, this spicy pasta dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 3
Stir in the red chili flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to release their flavor.
Step 4
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and diced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized.
Step 5
Toss in the baby spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
Step 6
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the lemon juice. Stir well and season with salt and black pepper.
Step 7
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 8
Remove the skillet from the heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until evenly incorporated.
Step 9
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1086.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1089.2 |
| Total Fat 44.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 13.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 40mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3122.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 134.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 17.0g | |
| Protein 44.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 676.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 9.3mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1590.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories