Cooking fresh spinach for pasta is a simple and healthy way to add greens to your dish. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Ingredients:
- Fresh spinach leaves
- Pasta of your choice
- Olive oil
- Garlic (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Wash the spinach: Start by rinsing the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly under cold running water. Shake off any excess water, or you can use a salad spinner to dry them.
Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook it according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Different pasta shapes and sizes will have varying cooking times, so follow the package directions for the best results.
Sauté the spinach: While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing the spinach. In a separate large skillet or pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. If you like, you can add some minced garlic to the hot oil for extra flavor.
Add the spinach: Once the oil is heated, add the washed and dried spinach leaves to the skillet. Be careful, as the spinach will wilt quickly. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the spinach around in the hot oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Wilt the spinach: Continue sautéing the spinach for about 1-2 minutes or until it wilts down. The cooking time may vary depending on the volume of spinach you're using. You want the spinach to be wilted but still bright green and not overly cooked.
Combine with pasta: When the pasta is cooked to your desired doneness, drain it well in a colander, reserving a small amount of the pasta cooking water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed spinach.
Toss and serve: Toss the pasta and spinach together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water if needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta. The starchy water helps bind the ingredients together. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serve and enjoy: Once the pasta and spinach are well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Plate the pasta and spinach mixture, and you can top it with some grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if you like.
This pasta with sautéed spinach is a delightful and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish to complement other main courses. Feel free to customize it by adding other ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, or grilled chicken for added flavor and texture.