Craving a quick and delicious meal? This spinach and parmesan pasta is exactly what you need! With just five ingredients, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight or when you’re short on time, yet still want something satisfying and flavorful.
This dish brings together the earthy taste of spinach and the rich, savory notes of parmesan for a delightful flavor combination. It’s easy to prepare and will leave you feeling satisfied without a ton of fuss in the kitchen.
Ingredients That Shine
This delightful pasta dish features a handful of quality ingredients that work harmoniously together.
The backbone of the recipe is the pasta, which can be any type you prefer.
Fresh spinach contributes vibrant color and a nutritious element, while freshly grated parmesan cheese adds a rich, savory depth.
A splash of olive oil and a touch of garlic bring everything together, creating a light yet flavorful sauce.
A Quick and Simple Preparation
Preparing this dish is both quick and straightforward, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Start by cooking the pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.
While the pasta cooks, sauté minced garlic in olive oil, allowing it to infuse the oil with its aromatic essence.
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped spinach and watch it wilt beautifully.
Combining the pasta with this mixture, along with grated parmesan, results in a creamy and satisfying meal.
Presentation Matters
When it comes to serving, presentation can elevate the dining experience.
Plate the pasta generously, ensuring the vibrant green spinach and golden parmesan are prominently displayed.
Garnishing with a few whole spinach leaves adds a touch of freshness.
Placing a small bowl of extra parmesan on the side invites your guests to add more if they wish, enhancing the overall appeal.
Flavor Profile
The flavor profile of this dish is strikingly delightful.
The earthy taste of spinach pairs beautifully with the nutty richness of parmesan cheese, creating a balance that is both comforting and satisfying.
The olive oil sauce is light yet effective, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through without being overwhelming.
Nutritional Benefits
This spinach and parmesan pasta is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also quite nutritious.
Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, while the parmesan provides a good source of protein and calcium.
With only a moderate amount of calories, this dish can fit nicely into a balanced meal plan, offering satisfaction without guilt.
Perfect Pairings
Finding the right pairing for your pasta can enhance the meal.
A light salad or steamed vegetables would complement the dish well, adding variety and additional nutrients.
For beverage options, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pasta.
This makes for a well-rounded dining experience that’s sure to impress.
Quick and Easy Spinach Parmesan Pasta
This pasta dish is a beautiful medley of al dente pasta, fresh spinach, and freshly grated parmesan, all tossed together with olive oil and garlic. It’s light yet filling, and the combination of flavors is simply irresistible.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes).
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta back into the pot, along with the reserved pasta water and grated parmesan. Toss everything together until well combined and creamy.
- Serve: Transfer to plates or bowls and top with additional parmesan if desired. Enjoy your simple and delicious meal!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g