Tomato Spinach Farfalle Pasta

This Tomato Spinach Farfalle Pasta is a fresh, colorful, and easy pasta dish packed with simple ingredients and bold flavor. Tender bowtie pasta is tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a light buttery sauce. It’s the perfect quick dinner for busy nights while still feeling comforting and satisfying. This recipe is light yet flavorful and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great addition to your weekly meal rotation.

Tomato Spinach Farfalle Pasta

This Tomato Spinach Farfalle Pasta is a quick and easy dinner with cherry tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and bowtie pasta.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz farfalle bowtie pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped

Method

 

1. Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and burst slightly.
5. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated.
8. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta and mix gently until melted into the sauce.
9. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

• Cook pasta just until al dente to keep the perfect texture.
• Reserve a little pasta water in case the sauce needs loosening.
• Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
• Cherry tomatoes release natural juices that help create a light sauce.
• Keep the heat medium to avoid burning the garlic.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives richer flavor.
• Toss the pasta gently to avoid breaking the farfalle.

Variations

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
• Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
• Add mushrooms or zucchini for more vegetables.
• Use feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a tangy flavor.
• Add cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper tomato flavor.
• Make it spicy with extra chili flakes or hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or breadsticks.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Add roasted vegetables on the side.
• Serve with grilled chicken or salmon for a complete dinner.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan before serving.
• Pair with soup as a starter.
• Enjoy as a light lunch or dinner.

Tips

• Salt the pasta water well for better flavor.
• Do not overcook the spinach to keep its bright color.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Add cheese gradually for even melting.
• Use fresh basil at the end for maximum freshness.
• Keep the pasta moving while tossing to coat evenly.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently.

Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Info (Approx.)

Calories: 390 per serving
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 420mg

FAQs

Can I make Tomato Spinach Farfalle Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this pasta ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a small splash of water or olive oil to help loosen the pasta and keep it from drying out. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave in short intervals while stirring occasionally. Fresh basil is best added after reheating for the freshest flavor and appearance.

Can I add protein to this pasta?
Absolutely. This recipe pairs very well with grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or even Italian sausage. Adding protein makes the dish more filling and turns it into a complete meal. If adding cooked protein, simply stir it into the pasta during the final minutes of cooking so everything heats evenly together.

What type of tomatoes work best?
Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are ideal because they become sweet and juicy when cooked. They also create a light sauce naturally as they burst in the skillet. If you do not have cherry tomatoes, diced Roma tomatoes can also work, though the texture and sweetness may be slightly different.

Can I make this pasta creamy?
Yes, you can easily make it creamier by adding a splash of heavy cream, cream cheese, or even a spoonful of ricotta cheese to the skillet. Stir it in after adding the pasta so it blends smoothly into the sauce. This creates a richer and more comforting version of the dish while still keeping the fresh tomato and spinach flavors.

How do I keep the pasta from becoming dry?
The best way is to reserve a little pasta water before draining. If the pasta seems dry after mixing, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water while tossing. This helps create a silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully without making it heavy. Olive oil or a small pat of butter can also help refresh leftovers when reheating.