Grape Tomato, Olive, and Spinach Pasta

It’s not like regular pasta salad – It’s cool pasta salad! This meatless pasta makes the perfect backyard barbeque addition.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces uncooked penne (about 2 cups)
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 large garlic clove, thinly sliced
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup organic vegetable broth (such as Swanson)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 10 kalamata olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 1/4 cup torn basil leaves
• 1 ounce parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup)

Preparation:

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add pasta; cook 8 minutes or until al dente, omitting salt and fat. Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add red pepper and garlic; saute 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, broth, salt, black pepper, and olives; cook 6 minutes or until tomatoes begin to break down, stirring occasionally. Add pasta and 1/2 cup reserved cooking liquid to pan; simmer 2 minutes. Stir in spinach and basil; cook 2 minutes or until greens wilt.
3. Divide pasta mixture evenly among 4 bowls; top with parmesan cheese.
4. Serve immediately.

Thank you myrecipes.com for the recipe!

Photo Credit: Freepik.com