| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 365 | 9g | 2g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 8g | 4g | 12g | 0.56g |
Growing up in Nebraska, I’ve always had an admiration for the simplicity and authenticity of the region’s fare. It was about creating meals from whatever was abundant in the farm, and making sure nothing went to waste. Yet another testament to this rustic charm is my favorite vegetable-based recipe called Red Spinach Pasta. It’s a beautiful amalgam of hearty ingredients, savory flavors, and nutritious goodness that’s sure to appease your palate. Plus, it’s a great way to use those ultra-nutritious red spinach leaves from your garden or local farmer’s market.
The Heartiness of Ingredients
What makes Red Spinach Pasta so mouthwateringly good is the harmonious blend of wholesome ingredients. The juiciness of cherry tomatoes, the aromatic allure of fresh basil, and the robust flavor of marinara sauce conspire to make this dish a true delight. Not to mention the hint of boldness that red wine imparts. A light sprinkling of olive oil brings everything together with a nice, savory finish. And let’s not forget the added benefits of using whole wheat pasta: the increased fiber, protein, and other nutrients it provides, contributing to a healthier diet.
Healthy to the Hilt
Apart from being utterly delicious, this pasta recipe is a powerhouse of nutrients too. Red spinach, known for its high iron content, can help prevent anemia and boost your immune system (source). Then there are the antioxidant-rich cherry tomatoes, which are excellent for vision and skin health (source). The olive oil in the recipe is a healthy fat that supports heart health (source). And don’t forget about the immune-boosting properties of garlic (source). So, you see, this one’s truly a flavorful feast for your body, not just your taste buds.
A Versatile Treat
Aside from its standalone brilliance, Red Spinach Pasta harmonizes well with several side dishes too. It especially complements Italian-inspired salads or garlic bread. Can’t you just picture it: a remarkable plate of this pasta paired with a crispy, golden-brown loaf of garlic bread? Absolute heaven! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even experiment with adding some ground turkey or grilled chicken for an extra protein punch. I assure you, every bite will be a gastronomical revelation.
In conclusion, Red Spinach Pasta isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience – a delicious testament to wholesome Midwestern cooking, replanted and reinvented for the modern table. So why not treat yourself to this nutritive delight today?
What You’ll Need
- 12 oz of fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of red wine
- 4 cups of red spinach
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
Method
Step One
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook until al dente, for approximately 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step Two
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, and cook it until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic to the onion, and continue cooking for an additional minute, until the garlic is fragrant.
Step Three
Next, pour in the red wine to the skillet, stirring it into the onion and garlic. Allow this mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the red wine is reduced by half.
Step Four
Now, stir in the red spinach, cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil to the skillet. Cover the skillet, and let this vegetable mixture cook for around 3-5 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes have softened.
Step Five
Add the marinara sauce to the vegetable mixture in the skillet. Season with the salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine everything, then allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, so that flavors can meld together.
Step Six
Finally, add the cooked and drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce to ensure that it’s fully coated. Sprinkle the pasta with the grated parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your Red Spinach Pasta!
