Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of vibrant, emerald-green spaghetti that's not just visually stunning but bursting with flavor that will make your taste buds dance! This authentic Italian Spinach Spaghetti from Tollona is a quick, nutritious, and absolutely irresistible dish that proves gourmet cooking can be simple and delightful. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or someone who loves exploring Italian cuisine, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight favorite.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 200g fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 400g of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the spaghetti is cooking, rinse the 200g of fresh spinach under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the rinsed spinach to the skillet and toss it with the garlic and olive oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted down significantly.
- Once the spinach is cooked, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well to combine and season with salt to taste. Let the mixture cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- When the spaghetti is ready, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Toss everything together, adding a little of the reserved pasta water as needed to help coat the spaghetti and create a light sauce.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the spinach spaghetti hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy your delicious Spinach Spaghetti from Tollona!
Tips
- Always use fresh spinach for the brightest color and most vibrant flavor.
- Don't overcook the garlic - it should be fragrant but not browned, which can make it bitter.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce.
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a huge difference compared to pre-grated options.
- For added protein, consider tossing in some grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
- If you like extra heat, don't be shy with those red pepper flakes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
