Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary Mediterranean feast! This Spinach Pasta with Zaatar, Lemon, and Parsley is not just a meal—it's a vibrant, zesty experience that combines the earthy richness of zaatar, the bright tang of fresh lemon, and the herbaceous punch of parsley. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a dish that looks like it was crafted in a gourmet restaurant but can be easily prepared in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g spinach pasta
- 2 tbsp zaatar
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the spinach pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Juice the lemon and finely chop the fresh parsley.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return the pasta to the pot and immediately drizzle with olive oil, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Sprinkle the zaatar over the pasta, tossing to distribute the spice blend thoroughly.
- Add the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley to the pasta. If the pasta seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to help the ingredients combine.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and toss one final time.
- Plate the pasta and garnish with an extra sprinkle of zaatar and parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Always add a generous amount of salt to your boiling water. This is your first chance to season the pasta and enhance its flavor.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Keep some pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick to the pasta.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook your pasta just until it's tender but still has a slight bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and ruin the texture.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly chopped parsley for the most vibrant flavors.
- Zaatar Distribution: Toss the zaatar thoroughly to ensure every bite is packed with its unique, aromatic flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after preparation, to maintain the perfect texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
