Looking for a quick, easy, healthy pasta recipe for lunch or dinner? Well look no further – I’ve got one for ya!
I’m very tempted to not even call it a “recipe,” since it’s really just that easy to throw together. I wound up putting this dish together on Saturday evening on a whim, after Jay and I both realized we were starving at 7:30pm, had yet to eat dinner, and didn’t feel like spending money on anything.
Quick and Healthy Pasta & Veggies
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Serves 2-3
Ingredients:
- 1-1/2 cups dry whole wheat pasta (rotini, ziti, shells, etc.)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained
- Half a bag of fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers
- 3 tbsp Italian dressing (we used Ken’s Light Northern Italian)
- ~1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Cook the pasta according to directions and to your liking. While pasta is cooking, place fresh spinach leaves in a colander. Once pasta is done cooking, pour pasta and water over spinach leaves and into colander. Shake to drain and pour pasta and spinach back into your pot. Add the diced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, Italian dressing, and parmesan cheese; stir to combine and let cook over medium heat about 3-5 minutes so cheese becomes slightly melted. Serve and enjoy!
*****
Like I said, it doesn’t get much easier than that, now does it?
Carissa says
That looks divine! I will need to get some quinoa pasta and give that a go. I love Italian flavors!
olivia says
Love easy recipes like this one. Thanks for posting. You could even add some chopped walnuts/almonds or pecans for a little crunch and protein. I think I’ll make this tonight with husband out at school and so just me and the kids.
Courtney says
Yes, definitely!
Brandi says
Yum! I usually stay away from anything pasta, cause it likes to stick to my hips. This looks good! :)
Kate says
That looks really fresh and delicious! I love all those ingredients, so I’m pinning this recipe for future yumminess.
Sylvia @ Frolic Through Life says
I make something similar to this, but with all the ingredients for Greek Salad. It’s a big hit at summer BBQs.
Caroline @ After Dinner Dance says
I love making something just like this – I use roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic and they end up making a great sauce!
Carrie @ Lift Eat Repeat says
Looks pretty good! Have you ever tried to make out flour pasta? I try to stay away from wheat as much as possible- I think I’m gonna try making it soon!
Courtney says
Hmmm, never tried that one. It sounds too labor-intensive for me, haha ;)
Jana @ Newly Wife Healthy Life says
This sounds so good! One of my favorite spaghetti dishes is actually angel hat, diced tomatoes, and cottage cheese all heated together. So simple but so good!
Courtney says
That sounds so interesting…and so GOOD!
Shannon says
Looks mighty tasty! I think I’ll be making this for Friday night’s dinner. :) I’ll tell you how it goes on my family- but I’ll probably have to omit the spinach. We’re not big fans of it unfortunately.
Shana says
These are my favorite kind of meals-quick, nutitious, and delicious!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
This is such a good idea! I love that you used Italian dressing! :)
michelle kim says
Thanks for sharing this recipe! Looks really yummy!
Nicole says
I never thought to “cook” spinach that way – genius! :)
Courtney says
Yes! I got the idea from Julie @ PBFingers :)
Lynn says
Agreed on the “cooking” spinach… That’s genius! I’m going to use that tonight and make a similar pasta inspired dish, thanks!
Aleasha says
Looks great. May have to give this a try…..
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
Love this! I’ve been wanting to try the whole steamed spinach in a colander thing! My husband isn’t a huge fan of pasta dishes, but I think if I bulk it up a bit like this one he might go for it!
Alyssa @ Fit and Fun in Third says
Quick, easy and healthy…. perfect recipe!! :)
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
Looks great! I love easy recipes with minimal ingredients … of course, who doesn’t?! ;)
Kate says
Thanks for the recipe, we made it for dinner tonight & we loved it!
We added some sauted chicken and it was so good!!
Suzy says
Ahhh! That’s exactly what I was going to do tonight, just add some sauted chicken. Looks delicious! ♥ Glad to know it was good!
Natasha says
this is perfect for spring! thank you for sharing :)
Shirataki Noodles says
Just awesome love to eat this !!