Our Summer Fresh Tomato, Spinach, and Onion Pasta is a delightful, oven-baked creation that combines sweet onions, juicy tomatoes, and nutritious spinach in a creamy, savory sauce. As the summer sun warms our days, there’s nothing quite like a fresh and vibrant pasta dish to bring the season’s best flavors to your table. This recipe is perfect for those who love the simplicity and richness of Italian-inspired dishes.
Why might people want to make this recipe? For starters, it’s an incredibly versatile and easy recipe to prepare. Making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. The combination of fresh vegetables, caramelized onions, and aromatic spices creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and refreshing. Plus, with the added creaminess from coconut milk and the tangy hint of lemon juice, this dish feels indulgent without being heavy.
Summer Fresh Pasta
In my household, this pasta dish has quickly become a summer staple. There is lots of flavor using simple ingredients.
I love how the sweet onions caramelize beautifully in the oven, adding depth and sweetness to the sauce. The fresh spinach not only brings a pop of color but also boosts the nutritional value, making it a hit with the whole family. One of my favorite memories is gathering fresh tomatoes and spinach from our backyard garden with my kids, teaching them the joy of cooking with homegrown ingredients.
Every time I make this recipe, it brings back those cherished moments and fills our kitchen with a mouth-watering aroma that beckons everyone to the table. Whether you’re looking for an easy meal to enjoy on a lazy summer evening or something special to impress your guests, this Summer Fresh Tomato, Spinach, and Onion Pasta is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Summer Fresh Tomato, Spinach, and Onion Pasta Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 3 Large Onions
- 1 Head Garlic
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 6 Ounces Tomato Paste 1 can
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley
- 1 Tablespoon Dried Basil
- 1 Tablespoon Paprika
- 8 Ounces Pasta Fusilli, cooked and drained
- 1 Cup Pasta Water reserved
- 2 Cups Fresh Spinach chopped
- 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Thin slice the yellow onions and layer into a lightly greased 9 x 13 inch pan.3 Large Onions
- Cut the top of the head of garlic and place in the center of the pan.1 Head Garlic
- Drizzle olive oil over the onions and garlic. Then sprinkle seasonings over top, salt, pepper, parsley, basil, and paprika. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then stir in tomato paste.2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 1 Teaspoon Salt, 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper, 1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley, 1 Tablespoon Dried Basil, 1 Tablespoon Paprika, 6 Ounces Tomato Paste
- Bake for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until the onions are caramelized and the garlic is easy to squeeze. Once the garlic cloves are squeezed out, give the onion mixture a stir.
- While you are baking, prepare the pasta as directed on the package to al dente. Drain reserving one cup pasta cooking liquid.8 Ounces Pasta
- Add in cooked pasta, spinach, coconut milk, lemon juice, and up to one cup of pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.1 Cup Pasta Water, 2 Cups Fresh Spinach, 1/2 Cup Coconut Milk, 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Enjoy as is or top with Parmesan cheese.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Pasta Recipe Ad-ins
Adding a variety of vegetables can enhance the flavors and nutritional value of your Summer Fresh Tomato, Spinach, and Onion Pasta. It’s a great way to use your fresh garden produce. Here are some great options:
Bell Peppers: Red peppers, yellow peppers, or orange bell peppers add a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, as well as a beautiful pop of color.
Zucchini: Sliced or diced zucchini blends well with the other vegetables and adds a tender texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These can add a burst of freshness and sweetness, complementing the tomato paste in the recipe.
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor and a bit of umami to the dish.
Eggplant: Small cubes of eggplant can absorb the flavors of the sauce and add a meaty texture.
Asparagus: Chopped asparagus spears can add a slight crunch and a unique flavor.
Artichoke Hearts: Marinated or canned artichoke hearts can add a tangy and slightly nutty taste.
Kale: Similar to spinach, kale adds a hearty green element and pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Peas: Fresh or frozen peas add a touch of sweetness and a pleasing texture.
Broccoli: Small broccoli florets can provide a nice contrast in texture and a boost of vitamins.
These vegetables can be added based on your preference and what you have on hand. They can be sautéed with the onions or roasted separately and mixed in at the end for a delightful and nutritious pasta dish.
Tomato, Spinach, and Onion Pasta Recipe Variations
Customizing your Summer Fresh Tomato, Spinach, and Onion Pasta is easy with these simple variations:
Garlic Powder Instead of Fresh Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic on hand, you can substitute with garlic powder. Use about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of garlic powder in place of the head of garlic. This will still give you that delicious garlicky flavor without the need for peeling and chopping.
Fresh Basil Instead of Dried Basil: For a more vibrant and aromatic flavor, use fresh basil leaves instead of dried basil. Replace 1 tablespoon of dried basil with about 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil. Add the fresh basil towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavor and color.
Fresh Parsley Instead of Dried Parsley: Similarly, fresh parsley can be used in place of dried parsley. Use about 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley instead of 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. Fresh parsley will add a bright, herbal note to the dish.
Additional Variations to Consider:
Add Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding cooked chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu. These can be seasoned and cooked separately, then mixed into the pasta before serving.
Cheese: For extra richness, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta over the pasta before serving. A touch of ricotta or goat cheese stirred into the sauce can also add a creamy texture.
Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Different Pasta: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can work well with this recipe.
Vegetable Broth: If you want a slightly lighter sauce, you can substitute some of the coconut milk with vegetable broth. This will keep the dish creamy but reduce the overall fat content.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes can intensify the tomato flavor and add a chewy texture.
Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of freshness, add a bit of lemon zest along with the lemon juice. This will enhance the citrusy flavor and brighten the overall dish.
Onion Options
You can use any kind of onions for this dish. Using different types of onions can change the flavor profile of your dish subtly.
Yellow Onions: These are the most versatile and commonly used onions in cooking. They have a balanced flavor that becomes sweet and caramelized when cooked. Perfect for this recipe.
Sweet Onions: Sweet onion varieties like Vidalia or Walla Walla have a higher sugar content and are even sweeter than yellow onions. They add a lovely sweetness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor.
Red Onions: These onions have a slightly milder taste and add a bit of color to the dish. They are great for adding a subtle sweetness and a beautiful visual contrast.
White Onions: These onions are slightly sharper and more pungent than yellow onions. They can add a more robust onion flavor to your pasta.
Shallots: For a more delicate and slightly sweet flavor, you can use shallots. They are milder than regular onions and add a gourmet touch to the dish.
Green Onions (Scallions): While not typically used as the main onion in cooked dishes, adding a few chopped green onions at the end can add a fresh, slightly sharp flavor and a nice pop of color.
These variations allow you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences and make the most of what you have in your pantry. Whether you’re making this for a special occasion or a quick weeknight dinner, these options ensure your Summer Fresh Tomato, Spinach, and Onion Pasta is always a delightful experience.
This worked exactly as written, thanks!