Super Simple Spinach Olive Oil Pasta: Flavorful & Quick!
Super Simple Spinach Olive Oil Pasta: Flavorful & Quick!
Transform Your Spinach! Easy Spinach Olive Oil Pasta
Looking for a unique and delicious way to use up that spinach? This recipe introduces ‘Spinach Olive Oil Pasta,’ a dish that truly highlights the fresh flavor of spinach. It’s quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for a delightful meal on busy days. The rich aroma of olive oil, savory garlic, and fresh spinach create a harmonious blend that will tantalize your taste buds. Let’s get cooking!
Main Ingredients- Spaghetti pasta, 52g (per serving)
- Fresh spinach, 2-3 bunches (approx. 100g)
- Thinly sliced garlic, 1 handful (garlic slices)
- Salt, 1/2 tsp
- Pepper, 1 tsp
- Extra virgin olive oil, 120ml (be generous!)
Optional Ingredients (For Extra Flavor!)- Cocktail shrimp, 6-7 pieces (to taste)
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp (if you love a stronger garlic flavor)
- Dried chili peppers or chili flakes, 6-7 (for a hint of spice)
- Cocktail shrimp, 6-7 pieces (to taste)
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp (if you love a stronger garlic flavor)
- Dried chili peppers or chili flakes, 6-7 (for a hint of spice)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash the spinach. After removing excess water, trim the tough ends of the stems. If the leaves are very large, you can cut them in half once or twice. This makes them easier to eat and handle during cooking.
Step 2
In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions, aiming for ‘al dente’ (slightly firm to the bite), usually about 7-8 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is excellent for emulsifying the sauce and achieving the right consistency.
Step 3
Once the spaghetti is cooked to al dente, drain it well using a colander. Keep the reserved pasta water nearby. Avoid rinsing the pasta with cold water, as this can prevent the sauce from clinging properly.
Step 4
Now, preheat a frying pan or skillet over medium-low heat. Once warm, generously pour in the olive oil. For olive oil pasta, a good amount of oil is key to coating the noodles beautifully and ensuring a moist, luscious texture. Don’t be shy with the oil!
Step 5
Add the thinly sliced garlic (garlic slices) to the pan and sauté gently, being careful not to burn it. The garlic should become fragrant and lightly golden, infusing the oil with its delicious aroma.
Step 6
If you enjoy a touch of heat, add dried chili peppers or chili flakes at this stage and sauté them along with the garlic. This will add a subtle spicy kick that enhances the overall flavor profile of the pasta.
Step 7
Season the garlic-infused oil with salt and pepper. Seasoning the oil base beforehand helps ensure the pasta is well-seasoned throughout.
Step 8
Once the garlic is nicely golden, add the drained spaghetti to the pan. Toss the pasta gently to coat each strand with the flavorful olive oil. Sauté for about a minute, allowing the oil to penetrate the noodles.
Step 9
If you’re adding cocktail shrimp, introduce them now. Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if overcooked, so a brief sauté with the pasta is all they need. As they cook, they’ll add a wonderful depth of flavor and texture to the dish. (Optional Ingredient)
Step 10
Finally, add the prepared spinach to the pan. Stir-fry just until the spinach wilts and turns a vibrant, slightly translucent green. Avoid overcooking, as this can diminish the spinach’s crisp texture and nutrients. Quickly toss everything together to ensure all ingredients are coated with the delicious oil.
Step 11
Arrange the finished pasta attractively in a serving bowl. Spoon the remaining flavorful oil and ingredients from the pan over the top for a beautiful and delicious serving of Spinach Olive Oil Pasta. Enjoy your meal!
