This vegetarian pasta features loads of spinach and roasted vegetables tossed with light balsamic sauce! Feel free to change up the vegetables or skip them completely for a simple, hearty spinach pasta recipe. Recipe is easily vegan (see notes).
1large bunch of broccoliabout 3 pounds, florets removed and sliced into bite-sized pieces
1red bell peppersliced into 1-inch squares
Cooking spray
Salt
Spinach pasta
8ouncespasta
2tablespoonsolive oil
1shallot bulbsliced very thin (about ½ cup, sliced)
¼teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoonred pepper flakes
2clovesgarlicpressed or minced
12ouncesbaby spinach
2tablespoonsbalsamic vinegar
1tablespoonlemon juice
1tablespoonbutter or olive oil
Optional: 1 ounce finely grated Parmesan cheese*about ¾ cup, grated, plus extra for garnishing
Salt & freshly ground black pepperto taste
Instructions
To prepare the roasted vegetables (optional, skip for a more simple spinach pasta): Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Transfer the sliced broccoli florets and bell pepper to the prepared baking sheet, spray with coconut oil or olive oil cooking spray and sprinkle with salt. Bake until the broccoli is tender and caramelized on the edges.
Once the vegetables are in the oven, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta just until al dente, according to package directions. Before draining, carefully reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
To prepare the balsamic spinach, in a large Dutch oven or pot or large sauté pan over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons olive oil until shimmering. Add the sliced shallot, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring frequently, until the shallot is translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 20 seconds. While stirring constantly, add several big handfuls of spinach at a time until they have wilted, then repeat until all of the spinach is in the pot. Once the spinach has reduced a bit but is still bright green in parts (this happens quickly!), pour in the balsamic vinegar and remove the pot from heat.
In your Dutch oven or in a large serving bowl, combine the roasted vegetables and cooked pasta with the spinach mixture. Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil and optional Parmesan. Drizzle in about ⅓ cup reserved pasta cooking water and gently toss to coat. Season to taste with additional salt (mine needed about ½ teaspoon more) and freshly ground black pepper. Divide into bowls and serve immediately, with extra grated Parmesan on top for bonus presentation points.
Notes
Change it up: Skip the roasted veggies for a simple weeknight pasta that’s full of greens, or change up the vegetables used.Make it vegan/dairy free: Use olive oil instead of butter and omit the Parmesan. This pasta is great without the Parmesan, but you could add a light sprinkle of nutritional yeast for some cheesy flavor, if you’d like. Another option for extra savory flavor would be to add about ⅓ cup freshly toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds.Serve with a green side salad for a complete meal.