Perked Up Pasta

Elevate your pasta night with "Perked Up Pasta," a vibrant, easy-to-make dish bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors. This recipe combines tender al dente pasta with sautéed garlic, juicy cherry tomatoes, and nutrient-packed spinach for a colorful, wholesome base. A zesty kick of lemon juice and zest, paired with red pepper flakes, infuses each bite with a lively tang and gentle heat, while optional Parmesan and fresh basil take the dish to gourmet levels. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Serve it as a satisfying vegetarian main dish or pair it with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine)
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cups spinach leaves, fresh
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.

Step 5

Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.

Step 6

Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 8

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 9

Serve immediately with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1116.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1540.5

Total Fat 80.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 27.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 94.8mg	0%
Sodium 4331.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 140.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.4g	0%
Total Sugars 12.4g
Protein 77.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1634.1mg	0%
Iron 13.1mg	0%
Potassium 2278.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.3%

Protein: 19.4%

Carbs: 35.3%