Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach (cheese optional)

This is a new twist on a family pasta favorite that I have been making with penne pasta since my kids were little. I updated it by adding wilted spinach and artisinal pasta, for a more grown up appeal.

Ingredients:

salt and pepper
1 pound short pasta of your choice. I found this one at Trader Joe’s
1/4 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
1 bag or bunch of spinach washed and trimmed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
1/4 cup Parmesan or DF cheese plus more for serving

Directions:

1) In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, about 13-`15 minutes
Drain
2) Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, and cook, stirring until just golden, about 1 minute. Add the cherry tomatoes, oregano and crushed red pepper (if using), 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Reduce the heat to low and cook until the tomato juices run..about 3 minutes.
3) Add the cooked pasta and 1/4 cup of parmesan or DF cheese to the skillet and toss to combine.
4) Transfer to a large serving bowl and toss in the spinach until the leaves are wilted.
Add more cheese to taste.
5) Serve immediately.