November 8, 2011

Pasta Spinach Toss

This comes together awfully quickly.  A fresh stove-top meal that is light and filling at the same time.  Whole wheat pasta makes it healthy.  Toasted garlic gives it enormous flavor. 

I only made it because frozen chicken from Costco doesn't constitute a meal in Scott's eyes.  I ended up eating most of this pasta straight out of the pan.  I guess when you don't have kids around, for whom to set an example, you can do such things.

The secret to this recipe:  slice the garlic, razor thin.  Don't mince it or grate it.  When sliced, it tastes nothing but toasty and sweet.

I will definitely be making it again.  I envision this pasta as an easy lunch to take to school or a quick dinner on nights I don't feel like cooking.

Yes.  That does happen.

Actually, I could probably eat this every night.  




Pasta Spinach Toss

1 box short-cut pasta, cooked al dente and drained (I used whole-wheat penne.  I also love the rotini pasta that has vegetables in it.)
2-3 diced roma tomatoes
2 cups fresh baby spinach, shredded
1/2 cup shredded parmesan
2 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
onion powder, salt, pepper, olive oil

Other additions I sometimes use:
lightly caramelized onions
diced zucchini
chopped broccoli
2 T. pesto or 1/4 cup of marinara sauce to make it a bit saucy and add some flavor

Heat oil in a deep skillet.  Toast the garlic for a few minutes until it starts to turn golden brown (the more thinly sliced it is, the sweeter it will be), then add the tomato.  Season with some onion powder, salt, and pepper.  Cook for just a few minutes.  Add in the spinach and let it wilt a bit.  Toss in the pasta and stir combine everything in the skillet.  Top with cheese and let it melt.

Shared at:
Talent Show Tuesday
Tasty Tuesday
The Stuff of Success 
This Chick Cooks

3 comments:

  1. I could eat pasta for dinner every night. Seriously. This sounds good. I would probably use sauce because I have a love affair with spaghetti sauce, as well. haha :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh awesome.. recipe.. Will try it for sure..

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  3. hi! Just wanted you to know I think this looks delish! Thanks for linking to Tasty Tuesday, I will be featuring this at tomorrows party. Hope you can stop by and grab a featured button and link up again.
    http://nap-timecreations.blogspot.com/

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