Tomato-Herb Spaghetti with a Kick
plus Spinach & Toasted Garlic Panko
- Milk
- Wheat
We’ve given classic red-sauce spaghetti a serious glow up! You’ll add in a dose of rich, tangy crème fraîche for velvety richness, a punchy pinch (or two) of crushed chili flakes for heat, a generous handful of spinach for color (and vitamins, why not?), and best of all, a crispy, crunchy toasted garlic-thyme panko topping that, along with a shower of Parmesan, takes this simple, comforting bowl of pasta to the next level.
Ingredients
¼ ounce
Thyme
1 unit
Tomato Paste
5 ounce
Spinach
2 tablespoon
Crème Fraîche
(Contains: Milk)
2 clove
Garlic
3 tablespoon
Parmesan Cheese
(Contains: Milk)
1 unit
Tomato
¼ cup
Panko Breadcrumbs
(Contains: Wheat)
1 teaspoon
Chili Flakes
6 ounce
Spaghetti
(Contains: Wheat)
Not included in your delivery
2 teaspoon (tsp)
Cooking Oil
teaspoon (tsp)
Salt
teaspoon (tsp)
Black Pepper
Nutrition Values
Utensils
Cooking Steps
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce. • Peel and mince or grate garlic. Dice tomato into ½-inch pieces.
• Heat a drizzle of oil in a large, preferably nonstick, pan over medium-high heat. Add panko, half the garlic, and half the thyme sprigs; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until golden brown, 3-5 minutes. • Turn off heat; transfer to a plate and discard thyme sprigs. Wipe out pan.
• Once water is boiling, add spaghetti to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 9-11 minutes. • Reserve ¼ cup pasta cooking water (1⁄3 cup for 4 servings), then drain.
• Heat a drizzle of oil in pan used for panko over medium-high heat. Add diced tomato, remaining garlic, and remaining thyme sprigs; cook, stirring occasionally, until tomato is lightly browned, 1-2 minutes. Carefully remove and discard thyme sprigs. • Add tomato paste to pan; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until thoroughly combined, 1-2 minutes.
• Stir in ¾ cup plain water (1 cup for 4 servings) and as many chili flakes as you like. Cook, stirring frequently, until sauce has slightly thickened and diced tomato is softened, 2-4 minutes. • Add spinach; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, 1-3 minutes. • Turn off heat; taste and season with more salt and pepper if desired. Keep covered off heat until ready to use.
• Return pan with sauce to medium heat. Add drained spaghetti and cook, stirring in splashes of reserved pasta cooking water as needed, until pasta is thoroughly coated in sauce, 1-2 minutes. • Remove from heat and stir in crème fraîche. Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired. TIP: For a richer pasta, stir in 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings) along with crème fraîche.
• Divide pasta between shallow bowls. Top with toasted panko and Parmesan and serve.
Customer reviews
Review summary
Updated on Dec 2025- Flavor: Many enjoyed the spicy kick, but some found it bland; consider adjusting chili flakes to taste and adding extra garlic for depth 🌶️.
- Ease of prep: Simple and quick to make, with the seasoned panko topping adding a nice crunch and texture.
- Suggestions: Add more tomatoes or tomato paste for a richer sauce; consider including mushrooms or shrimp for extra flavor and substance.
- Portions: Some felt it needed more sauce; others wished for additional protein to make it more filling.
- Veggies: The spinach was a hit for many, adding color and nutrients; chop it finely for better integration.
