Dinner

Pasta with Chilli Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

ByJake Silas January 17, 2026January 17, 2026

Introduction

This pasta with chilli tomatoes and spinach is a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Combining the warmth of chilli with fresh spinach and a rich tomato sauce, it’s both healthy and satisfying.

The image shows two white bowls, each filled with penne pasta mixed with green spinach leaves and small pieces of reddish-brown cooked meat or sauce. On top of the pasta in each bowl, there is a small pile of shredded white cheese. The bowls are placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth napkin that has green and yellow embroidery near the top right. Above the bowls, there are two silver forks. The overall look is clean and fresh with a focus on the warm colors of the pasta dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
½ tsp dried chilli flakes
200g wholemeal penne pasta
400g can chopped tomatoes
100ml red wine
½ tsp dried oregano
125g bag young spinach leaves
25g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, grated

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Gently fry the finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, and dried chilli flakes, stirring regularly for about 5 minutes. Add a little water if the mixture begins to stick.
Step 2: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the pack instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Add the chopped tomatoes, red wine, and dried oregano to the frying pan. Stir to combine, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Step 4: Add the spinach leaves to the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted.
Step 5: Drain the pasta if not done already, then add it to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together to combine well.
Step 6: Sprinkle the grated parmesan or vegetarian alternative over the pasta and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the amount of chilli flakes or add a fresh chopped chilli.
Substitute red wine with vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Add cooked chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Use fresh tomatoes in season for an even brighter flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be served cold as a pasta salad with a drizzle of olive oil.

How to Serve

Two white bowls filled with penne pasta cooked in a reddish-orange sauce, layered with fresh green spinach leaves mixed in. On top of the pasta, there is a sprinkle of shredded white cheese. The bowls are placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth napkin nearby, and two silver forks rest above the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute wholemeal penne with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.