Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s ready in a flash and easy on the wallet? Look no further! This Garlic Spinach Noodles recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights. It transforms a handful of simple pantry staples into a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor. The combination of savory garlic, fresh tomato, and earthy spinach tossed with tender noodles and a sprinkle of Parmesan is pure, simple perfection.
Ingredients
• 1 1/2 cups (approx. 125g) egg noodles
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium tomato, sliced or diced
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 cup (approx. 150g) thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry
• 2 tablespoons (20g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. While the noodles are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sliced tomato to the pan. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Turn the heat up to high, add the drained noodles and the squeezed spinach to the pan. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, mixing everything together well.
5. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with sea salt to your liking. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Information
• Serves: 2
• Cost: Approx. $1.46
• Per 1 cup serving
• Calories: 243
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg
Pro Tips
• For a brighter flavor, squeeze a wedge of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish before serving.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a gentle kick of heat.
• If using fresh spinach, add a few large handfuls to the pan after the garlic and tomato, and cook until just wilted before adding the noodles.
• Reserve a splash of the pasta cooking water. Add it to the pan at the end if the noodles seem a bit dry to create a light sauce.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these garlic spinach noodles vegan
A: Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply use vegan-certified egg-free noodles and substitute the Parmesan cheese with a plant-based Parmesan alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor.
Q: How can I add more protein to this vegetarian noodle dish
A: For a protein boost, consider adding a cup of chickpeas, white beans, or some pan-fried tofu or tempeh. Stir them in along with the spinach and noodles to heat through.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftover garlic spinach noodles
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the noodles in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent them from drying out. You can also microwave them in short intervals.
