Barley Pasta with Spinach

Barley Pasta with Spinach is a nutritious and flavorful dish that brings together the hearty texture of barley pasta with the vibrant freshness of sautéed spinach. It's a delightful meal that is both filling and healthy, perfect for a light dinner.

Ingredients

• Barley pasta - 150 grams
• Fresh spinach - 150 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Cherry tomatoes - 100 grams, halved
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Red pepper flakes - 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the barley pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach and tomatoes, tossing to combine.
8. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
9. Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice.
10. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• High in fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals from spinach, supporting overall health.

Tags