Description
Enjoy a flavorful and hearty Pasta with chilli tomatoes & spinach, featuring wholemeal penne pasta tossed in a spicy tomato and red wine sauce, enriched with fresh spinach and topped with grated parmesan or a vegetarian alternative. This dish is a perfect balance of heat, freshness, and wholesome ingredients, ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Sauce and Pasta
- 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
- Heat the oil and cook onion, garlic, and chilli flakes: Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, crushed garlic cloves, and ½ tsp dried chilli flakes. Gently fry the mixture, stirring regularly, for 5 minutes. Add a little water if the ingredients start to stick to the pan.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 200g wholemeal penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the tomato and red wine sauce: Add a 400g can of chopped tomatoes, 100ml red wine, and ½ tsp dried oregano to the frying pan with the cooked onion mixture. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Add the spinach: Shake the 125g bag of young spinach leaves into the pan. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and well incorporated into the sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta into the pan with the sauce and spinach. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce.
- Serve with cheese: Sprinkle 25g grated parmesan or a vegetarian cheese alternative on top before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious pasta dish.
Notes
- Use wholemeal penne pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
- Adjust chilli flakes amount according to your preferred spice level.
- Add a splash of pasta cooking water to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- You can substitute red wine with vegetable broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
- Vegetarian parmesan alternatives are suitable if avoiding animal rennet.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: pasta, chilli tomato sauce, spinach pasta, Italian recipe, vegetarian pasta, wholemeal penne, easy dinner
