Pasta with spinach

You will love this recipe. I got the inspiration from a Martha Stewart recipe but I changed it a bit and I will happily take the credit for this much improved and yummy version. All you need is a packet of spaghetti or other pasta and a bag of spinach. Frozen is fine!

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 packet of whole wheat spaghetti or other pasta
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 bag of frozen spinach
• chopped basil or a 2 cubes frozen basil (optional)
• salt and pepper
• ricotta cheese or Parmesan (optional)

How to make: Boil the pasta using  package instructions. While the pasta is getting ready, heat the oil in a pan. Add the garlic and saute for a minute. Add the spinach, basil, salt and pepper.  Saute for about five to ten minutes or until the spinach is completely defrosted and soft. Drain the pasta and put it back to the pot. Combine the pasta with the spinach and serve with a dollop of ricotta cheese or a tablespoon of Parmesan, whatever suits your taste better.

Notes and tips: If you don’t use frozen spinach, try this alternative. Cook the pasta for about three minutes less than the recommended time. Wash the spinach and add it to the pasta. Let it cook for about three minutes. Drain the pasta and the spinach and then add some olive oil. For a more garlicky taste, heat the oil and saute minced garlic for a minute before you add it to the pasta.

Here’s another photo of this recipe, served with ricotta cheese. I think ricotta accompanies this dish nicely but my family doesn’t like its plain taste.

Pasta with spinach and ricotta