Description
Creamy spinach pasta delivers comfort and elegance in one delightful dish. Home cooks can whip up this Italian-inspired classic with simple ingredients, creating a satisfying meal that delights your palate in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 6 cups (6 ounces) fresh spinach
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Serving and Optional Ingredients:
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted pot of water and bring to a vigorous boil. Submerge pasta and cook until it reaches a tender yet firm texture, following package guidance. Extract a modest portion of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
- Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over moderate heat. Introduce minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, allowing them to dance and release their aromatic essence without scorching.
- Carefully tumble fresh spinach leaves into the fragrant oil, gently coaxing them to surrender and collapse into a vibrant emerald mass. Season with a delicate whisper of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Slide the drained pasta into the wilted spinach, creating a harmonious blend. If the mixture appears parched, splash in reserved cooking liquid to restore moisture and silkiness. Scatter Parmesan cheese throughout, ensuring each strand receives a coating of creamy goodness.
- Transfer the verdant pasta to waiting plates, adorning with an extra flourish of Parmesan. For those desiring brightness, crown the dish with a zesty squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Notes
- Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and boost nutritional value.
- Use fresh spinach for maximum flavor and nutrient retention, ensuring leaves are thoroughly washed before wilting.
- Control garlic intensity by adjusting cooking time; shorter cooking preserves a sharper taste, while longer cooking creates a mellower flavor profile.
- Transform the dish into a protein-packed meal by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu for extra substance and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg