Imagine a pasta dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience in just 20 minutes! This Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal without the hefty price tag or complicated techniques. Bursting with vibrant colors, rich Mediterranean flavors, and nutritious ingredients, this recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner solution that will impress both family and unexpected guests.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing them to release their rich, concentrated flavor into the olive oil.
- When pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Immediately add fresh spinach to the skillet with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Stir quickly to allow spinach to slightly wilt but remain vibrant green.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently mix to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional fresh spinach leaves or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, cohesive sauce that helps ingredients cling together perfectly.
- Garlic Technique: Sauté garlic quickly and at medium heat to release its flavor without burning, which can make it bitter. The 30-45 second window is crucial for perfect flavor.
- Spinach Wilting: Add spinach at the very end and toss quickly. This preserves its bright green color and prevents overcooking, maintaining both nutrition and visual appeal.
- Flavor Boosters: Consider adding red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or toasted pine nuts for extra texture and nuttiness.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to substitute pasta types or add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a more substantial meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
