Nowadays, teenagers tend to dine on whatever is microwavable or can be directly eaten out of a box. Instead of another night eating Hot Pockets or Top Ramen, surprise your taste buds by trying this easy-to-make fettuccine pasta with fresh tomatoes. It takes no more than 30 minutes to prepare and it’s guaranteed to satisfy.

You will need:

¼ cup of olive oil

2 cloves of garlic

1 pound of ripe tomatoes (2 medium tomatoes)

1 teaspoon of lemon zest

3 tablespoons of lemon juice

A handful of basil leaves, thinly chopped

5 ounces of baby spinach

1 package of fettuccine pasta

½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Optional:

Freshly ground black pepper

Salt

Directions:

1. Heat up a large pot of lightly salted water for making the pasta. When the water is boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook until al dente. (Al dente means the pasta is cooked thoroughly, but still firm when bitten)

2. While the pasta is cooking, mince the 2 cloves of garlic and place them into a large bowl. Dice the tomatoes and add them to the garlic. Then add the olive oil, lemon zest and lemon juice into the bowl.

3. Once the pasta is done, drain it and add it into the bowl with the tomatoes and garlic. Then add in the baby spinach and thinly chopped basil leaves.

4. Toss together to make sure the ingredients are well mixed in the pasta. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top. Add freshly ground black pepper and salt for taste.