Introduction
Sometimes, you need a dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen — but you only have ten minutes. This recipe is designed exactly for those nights. It’s a quick, hearty, and flavorful dish that brings together fresh ingredients and pantry staples in a way that feels homemade and comforting. Perfect for busy weeknights, late dinners, or when you simply crave something delicious without the fuss.
Description
This 10-minute dinner combines sautéed garlic, cherry tomatoes, tender spinach, and cooked pasta tossed in olive oil and parmesan cheese. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with flavor, and can easily be customized with whatever protein or vegetables you have on hand. You’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste this good in so little time.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked pasta (any kind; penne or spaghetti works best)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup baby spinach
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Optional add-ins: cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu
Instructions
Prep: If your pasta isn’t pre-cooked, start by boiling it according to package directions. (You can do this ahead of time to save minutes.)
Sauté: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Veggies: Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften.
Combine: Stir in the cooked pasta and spinach. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts, about 1–2 minutes.
Season: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Finish: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and toss once more to coat evenly.
Serve: Transfer to plates and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
Use leftover pasta to save time.
For extra flavor, drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze or squeeze fresh lemon juice before serving.
Add pre-cooked protein (rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, or shrimp) to make it heartier.
If you like it creamy, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream before serving.
Variations
Mediterranean Style: Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Spicy Garlic Shrimp: Replace the spinach with shrimp and cook until pink.
Vegan Option: Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Asian Twist: Swap olive oil for sesame oil, and toss with soy sauce and green onions instead of Parmesan.
Correction
If your dish tastes too bland, add a touch more salt, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of Parmesan. If it’s too dry, mix in a spoonful of pasta water or a splash of broth.
Enjoy
Serve immediately and savor the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor — your delicious dinner, ready in just 10 minutes.