Hey there, friend! If you’re looking for a super simple way to whip up an easy cook dinner, you’ve landed in the right spot! This pasta dish is one of my go-to meals when I want something quick yet delicious. Seriously, it comes together in just about 25 minutes and requires minimal effort. I remember the first time I made it—it was one of those evenings when I barely felt like cooking, but I ended up loving how fresh and vibrant the flavors were! Trust me, you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen with this recipe, and your taste buds will be thanking you too!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of pasta (any kind you like, but I usually go for penne or spaghetti)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil (extra virgin is my favorite for flavor)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (don’t skimp on this, it adds so much aroma!)
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved (these little bursts of sweetness are fantastic)
- 1 cup of fresh spinach (feel free to toss in more if you love greens!)
- Salt to taste (I recommend starting with a pinch)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is best for that extra kick)
- Grated cheese for serving (optional, but who can say no to cheese?)
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness rolling! First, you’ll want to grab a big pot and fill it with water. Put it on the stove over high heat. Once it’s boiling, toss in your pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente—meaning it should still have a little bite to it. Remember to stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick together!
Cooking the Pasta
When the water is bubbling away, in goes the pasta! Set a timer for the recommended cooking time. A great way to check if it’s done is to taste a piece—if it’s tender but still firm, you’re good to go! Once ready, carefully drain the pasta in a colander, but hold onto a little pasta water just in case you need it later!
Sautéing the Vegetables
Now, let’s make those veggies shine! In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add in the minced garlic and let it sauté for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant. Next, toss in those halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for around 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and burst with flavor. Finally, add the fresh spinach and stir it around until it wilts down, which should only take about 2 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing right about now!
Combining Ingredients
Time to bring everything together! Gently add the drained pasta to the pan with your sautéed veggies. Give it a good toss to mix everything evenly. If it seems a bit dry, don’t hesitate to splash in a little of that reserved pasta water. Season it with salt and pepper to your taste. And voilà, your easy cook dinner is ready to be devoured!
Nutritional Information Section
This easy cook dinner is not only delicious but also pretty balanced! Each serving has about 400 calories, with 15 grams of fat and 12 grams of protein. You’ll also get 55 grams of carbs, which makes it a satisfying meal. Plus, it’s packed with veggies, so you’re getting some fiber in there too!
Tips for Success
Here are a few handy tips to make your cooking experience even smoother! First, make sure to keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks—stirring occasionally helps prevent sticking. If you accidentally overcook it, no worries, just go with the flow! For the garlic, be careful not to let it burn; it should be golden and fragrant, not brown and bitter. Also, feel free to customize this dish—add in your favorite veggies or proteins and make it your own! Lastly, taste as you go; it’s the best way to ensure everything is seasoned just right!
Variations
One of the best things about this easy cook dinner is how versatile it is! You can totally switch up the veggies based on what’s in your fridge. Try adding bell peppers or zucchini for a colorful twist. If you’re in the mood for some protein, grilled chicken or shrimp can make this dish even heartier. For a little extra zing, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or your favorite Italian herbs like basil or oregano. You can even swap out the pasta for whole grain or gluten-free options—so many choices to keep it exciting!
Serving Suggestions
To really elevate your easy cook dinner, consider serving it with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. It adds a refreshing crunch that pairs beautifully with the pasta. You might also enjoy some crusty bread for dipping into any leftover sauce—yum! And if you’re feeling fancy, a glass of white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon can really set the mood. Trust me, it’s the perfect way to complete your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until warmed through, and voilà—your easy cook dinner is ready to delight your taste buds once more!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work great in this easy cook dinner. Just toss them in during the sautéing step and cook until heated through. It’s a fantastic way to save time!
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
You can use any pasta you like! I often go for penne or spaghetti, but rotini or fusilli are fun options too. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this dinner vegan by omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free alternative. The veggies and pasta will still shine, and you won’t even miss it!
How can I add more protein?
If you want to boost the protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. They’ll complement the flavors beautifully and make your meal more filling!
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time! Just chop the veggies and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, it’ll come together super quickly!
Easy Cook Dinner: 5 Steps for a Delightful Meal!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and quick dinner recipe for beginners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of pasta
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of spinach
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Grated cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Boil a pot of water and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the pan with the vegetables.
- Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, topped with grated cheese if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables you like.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: easy cook dinner
