Quick spinach and Parmesan spirals

This dish is very quick and easy to make, yet makes and impressive substantial meal. Try adding a few sliced mushrooms and a little chili for a change too.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons cheese (grated Parmesan)
2 cloves garlic (peeled and crushed)
1 lemon (juice only)
3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin olive oil)
2 tablespoons pine nut (optional)
8 ounces pasta (pasta spirals or other short pasta)
2 cups spinach (baby spinach, rinsed)

Instructions

Cook the pasta spirals according to package instructions and drain.

While the pasta is cooking heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan.

Add the garlic and sauté on low for approximately 2 minutes, stirring often and being careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the lemon juice and the spinach leaves. Sauté for another 2 minutes until the spinach leaves just wilt.

Set aside. Keep warm.

Once the pasta is cooked and drained place in a large bowl. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper.

Toss together with the spinach and garlic mixture and top with the Parmesan cheese.

Serve sprinkled with a few pine nuts if desired.

Yield
4 servings
Preparation time 15 minutes
Cooking time 15 minutes
Total time
30 minutes

Notes

Substitute pasta spirals with your favorite shape. This recipe works with elbow or tube pasta.

Substitute spinach with other greens and add vegetables other than mushrooms.

Source

North American cuisine

easy, sauté
pasta, lunch, appetizer
American food recipes
Food in U.S.A.