Elbows with Fresh Spinach

Elbows with Fresh Spinach Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Elbows with Fresh Spinach is a delicious and nutritious pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. This recipe combines tender pasta with fresh spinach, juicy grape tomatoes, and savory Parmesan cheese for a flavorful and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

History

Elbows with Fresh Spinach is a modern twist on traditional pasta dishes that have been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of pasta and spinach is a classic Italian pairing that has been popular in Mediterranean cuisine for generations. This recipe puts a fresh and healthy spin on the traditional pasta dish, making it a great option for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.

Ingredients

8 oz (227 g) of Dreamfields® elbows
2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
0.25 tsp of ground black pepper
10 oz (283 g) of spinach (fresh or frozen)
4 oz (113 g) of cherry or grape tomatoes
0.25 cup of parmesan cheese

How to prepare

Prepare Dreamfields elbows according to the package directions.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the garlic in olive oil for 3 minutes.
If using fresh spinach, coarsely chop it.
If using frozen spinach, thaw and drain it.
Place the spinach in the sauté pan and cook until wilted, about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Toss the spinach with tomatoes and hot pasta.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Substitute the grape tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Mix in some pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot spinach and tomatoes.

- If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the skillet.

- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Elbows with Fresh Spinach with a side salad and a glass of white wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions for the best results.

- Sauté the garlic in olive oil until fragrant to release its flavor.

- Wilt the spinach in the skillet until tender, but still vibrant green.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta shape in place of elbows.

- Substitute the Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the spinach and tomato mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to toss with the hot pasta.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Elbows with Fresh Spinach with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 35g

- Dietary Fiber: 4g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 9g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 10g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 70%

- Vitamin C: 30%

- Calcium: 20%

- Iron: 15%

Alergens

Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese)

Summary

Elbows with Fresh Spinach is a well-balanced dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious option for those looking to enjoy a satisfying meal that is both delicious and good for you.

Summary

Elbows with Fresh Spinach is a simple and delicious pasta dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its combination of tender pasta, fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, and savory Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home with this tasty recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through my collection of old cookbooks. I had been searching for a new recipe to try out for dinner that evening, something different from my usual repertoire of dishes. As I flipped through the pages of a tattered cookbook that had belonged to my mother, a faded piece of paper fell out, fluttering to the ground.

Curious, I picked it up and unfolded it, revealing a handwritten recipe for Elbows with Fresh Spinach. The paper was yellowed with age, the ink slightly faded, but the words were still legible. I smiled as I read through the list of ingredients and instructions, feeling a sense of excitement at the prospect of trying out something new.

I couldn't remember where the recipe had come from, or who had written it down. It seemed to have magically appeared in my cookbook, as if it had been waiting for me to discover it. I decided then and there that I would make it for dinner that night, eager to see how it would turn out.

As I gathered the ingredients and prepared the dish, memories flooded back to me of all the times I had spent in the kitchen with my mother, learning how to cook. She had been my greatest teacher, passing down her knowledge and love of cooking to me, just as her mother had done for her.

I remembered the first time she had taught me how to make a simple tomato sauce, the way she had patiently shown me how to chop onions and garlic, how to simmer the sauce slowly until it was thick and flavorful. I had been so proud of myself when I had finally mastered the recipe, feeling a sense of accomplishment that I had never felt before.

As I sautéed the spinach and garlic for the Elbows with Fresh Spinach, I thought of my mother and how she would have approved of me trying out a new recipe, experimenting with flavors and ingredients to create something delicious. She had always encouraged me to be creative in the kitchen, to not be afraid to try new things and make mistakes along the way.

The aroma of garlic and spinach filled the air, mingling with the scent of boiling pasta. I tossed the cooked elbows with the spinach mixture, adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a dash of black pepper. The dish looked colorful and inviting, the vibrant green of the spinach contrasting with the creamy white of the cheese.

As I sat down to eat, taking the first bite of Elbows with Fresh Spinach, I closed my eyes and savored the flavors. The dish was simple yet delicious, the spinach tender and flavorful, the pasta perfectly cooked. I could almost imagine my mother sitting across from me, smiling proudly at my culinary creation.

In that moment, I felt a deep sense of connection to my past, to all the women in my family who had passed down their recipes and cooking skills through the generations. I realized then that cooking was more than just a means of nourishment, it was a way of preserving memories and traditions, of honoring the women who had come before me.

And so, as I finished my meal and cleared the dishes, I made a promise to myself to continue exploring new recipes, to keep the tradition alive and pass it down to future generations. Because in the end, it wasn't just about the food itself, but the love and memories that went into making it. And that, to me, was the true essence of cooking.