Prepare to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched coastline of Liguria with this mouthwatering Spinasci a a Zeneize recipe! This isn't just another pasta dish – it's a culinary journey that captures the essence of Genoa's vibrant food culture. With its perfect balance of fresh spinach, toasted pine nuts, and aromatic garlic, this recipe promises to turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Mediterranean experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly under cold running water, removing any tough stems or damaged leaves. Pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste slightly salty like seawater to properly season the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently until it becomes fragrant but not browned, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add pine nuts to the skillet and toast them lightly, stirring constantly to prevent burning. They should turn a light golden color and release a nutty aroma.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts completely, stirring occasionally. The spinach will reduce significantly in volume.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in the boiling water according to package instructions until it reaches al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will help create a smooth sauce.
- Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with spinach and pine nuts. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a light, glossy coating.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Serve immediately in warm plates, generously garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips
- Spinach Selection: Choose fresh, crisp spinach leaves for the most vibrant flavor and texture. Avoid wilted or yellowing leaves.
- Pasta Perfection: Always salt your pasta water generously – it should taste like the sea! This is the secret to well-seasoned pasta.
- Pine Nut Precision: Toast pine nuts carefully and watch them closely. They can burn quickly, so keep them moving in the pan and remove from heat the moment they turn golden.
- Pasta Water Magic: Never discard all your pasta water! The starchy liquid is a chef's secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh. Have your plates warmed and ready to serve the moment everything is combined.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor – pre-grated cheese simply can't compare!Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a small pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a subtle kick of heat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 325kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
