Pasta with Spinach and Cheese

This Pasta with Spinach and Cheese is a delightful and comforting dish that combines tender pasta with fresh spinach and a rich cheese sauce. It's a quick and satisfying meal that brings a taste of home to your dinner table.

Ingredients

• Pasta (penne or fusilli) - 200 grams
• Fresh spinach - 150 grams
• Ricotta cheese - 100 grams
• Parmesan cheese (grated) - 50 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Nutmeg (ground) - a pinch
• Water - 1 liter

Steps

1. Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until wilted. Season with black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach and garlic.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, and a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Mix well.
6. Pour the cheese mixture over the pasta and spinach in the skillet. Stir well to combine, adding more pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins A and C from spinach, which support immune health.
• Contains protein from cheese, aiding in muscle repair and growth.

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