There’s something undeniably comforting about cooking at home, isn’t there? I love how the kitchen transforms into this cozy haven filled with delicious aromas and the promise of a warm meal. When it comes to homemade supper ideas, this simple pasta dish is one of my go-tos! It’s not just quick and easy; it’s bursting with flavor and nutrients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or those lazy Sundays when you just want to whip up something delightful without much fuss. Trust me, anyone can throw this together in about 25 minutes, and it’s a great way to get creative with what you have on hand. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, so it fits right into anyone’s meal plan. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and proud!
Ingredients List
To make this delicious homemade supper, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of cooked pasta (any type you love—spaghetti, penne, or fusilli work great!)
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of fresh spinach (feel free to swap it with other greens like kale if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup of grated cheese (I recommend mozzarella or Parmesan for that melty goodness!)
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (the more, the merrier!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This step-by-step guide will help you whip up this delightful dish without a hitch. Just follow along, and you’ll be enjoying your homemade supper in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. I usually go for al dente, which means it should still have a bit of a bite to it. Don’t overcook it, or you’ll end up with mushy pasta, and nobody wants that! Once done, drain it and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. This is super important! Going too high can burn the oil, and we definitely want to avoid that smoky mess.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Once the oil is warm, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. You want to cook it just until it’s fragrant—oh, that amazing aroma is what you’re looking for! Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can be bitter.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook them for about 3–4 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they start to soften and release their juices, creating that lovely sauce base!
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta and spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring the spinach wilts and the pasta warms up. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it another couple of minutes on the heat to meld those flavors beautifully!
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top. Let it sit for just a moment to melt, then serve warm. Enjoy every bite of your homemade supper!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick to prepare—dinner is ready in just 25 minutes!
- Super easy, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
- Delicious flavors that everyone will enjoy.
- Healthy ingredients packed with nutrients.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so it fits a variety of diets.
This dish truly checks all the boxes for a fantastic homemade supper idea!
Nutritional Information
Before you dig in, let’s chat about the nutritional benefits of this delightful dish! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Generally, each serving of this tasty pasta is packed with about 400 calories, 18g of fat, 12g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It also includes 4g of fiber, making it a satisfying and nourishing option for your homemade supper. Enjoy knowing you’re fueling your body with wholesome goodness!
Tips for Success
To make sure your homemade supper turns out perfectly, here are a few tips to keep in mind. First, don’t overcook the pasta—aim for that lovely al dente texture! Also, watch the garlic closely while sautéing; it can go from fragrant to burnt in a flash. Lastly, when adding the spinach, stir it in until just wilted for the best flavor and texture. Happy cooking!
Variations
Want to mix things up? There are so many delicious ways to personalize this dish! You can swap out the spinach for kale, arugula, or even zucchini for a different flavor profile. If you’re looking to add some protein, consider tossing in grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a hearty boost. And for a fun twist, try adding in your favorite herbs like basil or oregano to elevate those fresh flavors. The options are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which isn’t likely because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat, or you can warm them up in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to help bring back that moisture. Enjoy your delicious homemade supper all over again!
Leave a Comment!
I’d love to hear from you! Have you tried this recipe? What variations did you come up with? Or maybe you have questions about the cooking process? Share your thoughts and experiences below! Your feedback not only brightens my day but also helps fellow home cooks. Let’s inspire each other!
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homemade supper ideas for a quick and delicious meal
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious homemade supper idea that anyone can prepare.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked pasta
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of spinach
- 1/2 cup of grated cheese
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 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 cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Serve warm and enjoy your homemade supper!
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta.
- You can substitute spinach with other greens like kale.
- Add protein like chicken or beans for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: homemade supper ideas, easy dinner recipes, quick pasta dishes