After a day’s work and stress, nothing beats coming home to a hearty, nutritious dinner that can be put together quickly. This spinach pasta recipe for the weeknight is perfect for the night when you have little time, but you need a good flavor and healthy carbs to get the job done. Dipped in garlicky olive oil, sprinkled with the lemon zest, earthiness of za’atar, spicy kick of red pepper flakes, and liberal sprinkle of parmesan, this is a symphony of flavors that will have your mouth singing.
Recipe Overview:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Equipment: Big pot, strainer, skillet
- Refrigerate Tip: This should be eaten right away but can be kept up to 2 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Put leftovers in the refrigerator and warm up gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Key Ingredients:
- Spinach: Full of iron and vitamins, spinach gives this dish its vivid green color and extra nutrition. If you like, you can use kale or Swiss chard instead.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is the heart of our sauce, it provides depth and thickness. Choose extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Garlic: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, garlic gives the dish a spicy aroma and taste. Fresh garlic works best.
- Lemon: The sharp lemon juice cuts through the richness of the olive oil and gives it a zesty punch.
- Za’atar: The Middle Eastern spice mix of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt, za’atar adds a distinctive taste to the dish. You can whip up your own blend or buy it in specialised shops.
- Red Pepper Flakes: You can use red pepper flakes for a kick. Fill the bowl to your liking.
- Parmesan: The last ingredient, the parmesan cheese slathered liberally on top gives the dish a salty, sweet flavour. Make sure it’s freshly grate parmesan to ensure the best taste.
Recipe Tips & Techniques:
- Cook pasta al dente: Cook pasta just until it is soft but not quite tender. This will help keep it from turning to mush as you add the sauce.
- Save pasta water: Take out a cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta. This starchy water can be used to thin the sauce and allow it to adhere to the pasta.
- Toast the za’atar: For a bit of extra flavor, toast the za’atar in the skillet before blending in the spinach. This will help saturate the spices with their essential oils.
Serving & Presentation:
Divide the pasta into individual plates and top with more parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little zing. Drink this dish with a fresh white wine or a citrus-y lemonade to counteract the sweetness. To make a meal out of it, serve it with a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
Cultural Context:
Although not of particular cultural genesis, it is inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern tastes, and is about the versatility of humble staples such as olive oil, garlic, and lemon. Make it your own by using your favorite herbs or spices.
Nutrition & Health:
Brimming with leafy greens, nourishing olive oil, and antioxidant-packed spices of za’atar, this dish is both delicious and healthy. Spinach is rich in iron and olive oil contains monounsaturated fats, which are great for the heart. Serve this recipe as part of a healthy diet for a delicious and healthy meal.
Ultimately, this weeknight spinach pasta dish is a savior in taste, convenience, and nutrition. With only a few ingredients and a small amount of effort, you can make something that will quickly become a staple in your cooking repertoire. So next time you’re in need of an easy dinner recipe, try this one and let your senses travel to the Mediterranean and beyond. Bon appétit!