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Large tangle of fettuccine with tomatoes and spinach on a plate.

Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach (vegan)

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Tracy Halasz

Ingredients

  • 4 servings fettuccine or pasta of choice

Fresh and Sun Dried Tomato Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon oil from sun dried tomatoes (or splash of broth)
  • ½ cup red onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • ½ cup white wine
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (to taste)
  • 4-6 pieces sun dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2-3 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

Toppings/Garnishes

  • ½ cup fresh basil, cut into ribbons
  • ¼ cup vegan feta (store bought or homemade)
  • sprinkle toasted pine nuts
  • ¼ cup crispy fried capers (optional)

Instructions

  • Boil salted water for the pasta. Prepare as per package instructions.

Crispy Capers (optional but not really!)

  • If making the crispy capers (recommended): heat enough oil to cover the bottom of a small saucepan or small skillet over medium-high heat.
  • While the oil is heating, pat the capers dry the capers with paper towels or a kitchen towel.
  • Once the oil is shimmering, remove the pan from heat, carefully spoon the capers into the oil (watch for oil splattering). Return to the heat. Stir or shake them around occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  • Cook until the capers open up and become crispy and golden (~3-5 minutes).
    Pro Tip: save the oil the capers cooked in to add flavor to your next dish!
  • Let them drain in a single layer on a paper towel until just before serving.

Cherry Tomato Sauce

  • Have all the ingredients prepared and handy once you start cooking.
  • In a deep skillet or wok style pan, heat the oil* until shimmering. Add the onions and garlic and saute over medium-high until the onions are translucent and turning golden about 4-6 minutes.
  • *Can use some of the oil from frying the capers.
  • Add the wine to deglaze the pan then lower the heat to medium. Cook for another 3-5 minutes to reduce the liquid.
  • Stir in red pepper flakes, chopped sun dried tomatoes (approx. ¼ cup) and cherry tomatoes. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  • Back to the Pasta: Drain the pasta and add it to the tomato sauce in the wok/pan.
  • Add the spinach and vegan feta cheese (if using) and toss to incorporate.
    The spinach will wilt within a couple of minutes and then presto, it’s ready.

To Serve

  • Top with basil ribbons, toasted pine nuts, crispy capers, and a sprinkle of hot pepper flakes.
  • Pro Tip: For the crispiest capers, pass them to be sprinkled on each serving.

Notes

Tomatoes: Choose the reddest, ripest tomatoes you can find. Cherry tomatoes or roma tomatoes are a good choice. Roma tomatoes would need to be cut into chunks.
Cheese: Vegan feta adds a wonderful salty, tangy creaminess. I like Violife Brand or homemade feta cheese.
To Serve: For a beautiful presentation, put a pair of tongs into the center of the finished pasta and twist into a gorgeous pile on each individual plate or bowl. Add a spoonful of the cherry tomato-spinach sauce then sprinkle with pine nuts, basil, hot pepper flakes, feta cheese crumbles and crispy capers.
Storage: Although we rarely have leftovers, this pasta will keep well in covered dish in the fridge for 2 or 3 days. It does not freeze well.