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Pasta with Spinach & Tomatoes

Featured in Healthy Eating.

This 15-minute gluten-free pasta is a lifesaver! Packed with caramelized onions, fresh spinach, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes, it’s hearty, flavorful, and vegan. Swapped in chickpea pasta for extra protein, then drizzled olive oil on top. So simple and yummy!
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Updated on Fri, 18 Apr 2025 15:36:59 GMT
Close-up of a bowl filled with spiral pasta, spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and caramelized onion, topped with cheese and pepper. Pin it
Close-up of a bowl filled with spiral pasta, spinach, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and caramelized onion, topped with cheese and pepper. | tasteofmoms.com

I whipped up this Spiral Pasta with Red Onion, Spinach and Sundried Tomatoes when I was running short on time but still craving something tasty. It's turned into my go-to 15-minute dinner! There's something almost magical about how the caramelized onions blend with those rich sundried tomatoes and wilted spinach. The best part? It's naturally free from gluten and loaded with healthy ingredients.

What Makes This Dish Outstanding

The thing I really dig about this quick pasta is how it transforms basic ingredients into something that seems way fancier than it is. When you're exhausted but don't want takeout, this hits the spot. Everything cooks while your pasta boils, and you end up with flavors that taste bright and fresh. It's basically a fancy restaurant meal you can throw together at home.

Your Shopping List

  • Gluten-Free Pasta: Chickpea pasta works wonders here and gives you an extra protein boost.
  • Red Onion: They turn wonderfully sweet once they're properly cooked.
  • Fresh Baby Spinach: Brings great nutrition and a pop of green.
  • Sundried Tomatoes in Oil: Keep that oil handy, it's too good to waste!

Creating Mealtime Wonder

Prep Your Pasta Base
Start by getting water boiling for your pasta. Remember to grab some of that cooking water before draining your pasta, it'll make our sauce extra smooth later on.
Veggie Transformation
As your pasta bubbles away, take that tasty oil from the sundried tomatoes and cook your onions until they're soft and caramelized. Toss in the spinach and watch as it shrinks down.
Tomato Time
Now throw in those chopped sundried tomatoes for that incredible punch of flavor they bring.
Mix Everything
Once your pasta's done, combine all your ingredients, adding splashes of the saved pasta water until you get that perfect silky texture.
Ready to Eat
You can top it with some cheese or olives if you want, but honestly it tastes amazing just as it is!

Tricks I've Learned

I've made this pasta so many times now and picked up a few shortcuts. Always buy the best sundried tomatoes you can find, they're the star of the show. Don't skimp on spinach because it shrinks like crazy when cooked. And that pasta water trick? It's what ties the whole dish together.

A bowl of spiral pasta mixed with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and red onions. Pin it
A bowl of spiral pasta mixed with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and red onions. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap gluten-free pasta for regular?

Definitely! Use any pasta you like, just check the cooking time for your chosen type.

→ Why do I save the pasta water?

The starch from the water helps create a smooth, saucy texture when mixed with the pasta and other ingredients. Add it slowly so you don’t overdo it!

→ Will frozen spinach work?

Sure, frozen spinach will do the job. Just let it thaw and drain the extra water before tossing it in.

→ What if I can’t stand sun-dried tomatoes?

No worries, you can swap them for fresh cherry tomatoes. If you skip the sun-dried ones, some extra olive oil will be great for flavor.

→ Can I meal prep this dish?

Yep, it’s great for meal prep! Just add a bit of water when reheating to keep it fresh, and put cheese on right before serving.

Pasta with Spinach & Tomatoes

Quickly toss together spinach, onions, and sun-dried tomatoes with gluten-free pasta for a fast weeknight meal. Add feta or your favorite toppings!

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Healthy Eating

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 10 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped up.
02 1-2 tablespoons of oil straight from the sun-dried tomatoes.
03 Half to one chopped red onion.
04 Spinach, roughly 5 ounces, all chopped.
05 One package of gluten-free pasta.
06 A pinch of salt and black pepper.
07 Optional: crumbled feta or ricotta salata.

Instructions

Step 01

Follow the instructions on your pasta box to cook it in salted water until done.

Step 02

Throw the onions into the oil from the tomatoes and sauté them for around 5 minutes.

Step 03

Cover the pan after adding spinach, and let it cook until the leaves soften—only needs 1-2 minutes.

Step 04

Toss your cooked pasta and tomatoes into the pan, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 05

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and cheese if you like, before serving.

Notes

  1. Feel free to tweak amounts to suit your taste.
  2. Make sure to save some pasta water before draining.
  3. Adding cheese on top is totally optional.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big skillet.
  • Pot for pasta.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 12 g