Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers

Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers Recipe - Garlic, Capers, Basil, Rosemary

| Servings: 4

Introduction

Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of spinach noodles with the sweet and tangy flavor of red peppers. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special occasion dinner.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional pasta dishes, incorporating fresh and healthy ingredients like spinach and red peppers. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

10 or more cloves of garlic, pressed
3 tbsp capers plus a bit of caper liquid (more if you love capers)
1 tbsp basil
1 tbsp rosemary, crushed
1 cup water
lemon juice to taste
3 large red peppers, thinly sliced
1 box wide spinach noodles (24 oz (680 g))

How to prepare

Sauté the garlic, herbs, and capers using your preferred sauté method.
Add water and red peppers, and simmer the red peppers until they are slightly softened.
A bit of crunch is desirable.
There should be a sufficient amount of liquid remaining after simmering.
Cook 24 oz (680 g) of wide spinach noodles until they are slightly underdone, then drain.
Toss the noodles with the peppers and liquid over low heat until the pasta is coated and the liquid is absorbed.

Variations

Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
Include other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Use different herbs and spices to change up the flavor profile of the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slightly undercook the spinach noodles before tossing them with the red peppers to prevent them from becoming mushy.

- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste, depending on how tangy you prefer your dish.

- Feel free to add other vegetables or protein sources to make this dish even more nutritious and filling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also top it with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include sautéing, simmering, and tossing the noodles with the peppers over low heat to ensure that the flavors are well combined.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version of this dish.

- Substitute other types of pasta noodles, such as whole wheat or rice noodles, if desired.

- Use fresh or dried herbs depending on what you have available.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the red pepper mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to toss with the cooked noodles. This dish is best served fresh, so it is recommended to cook the noodles just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it in a large pasta bowl or individual plates for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad complements the flavors of the pasta.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent the noodles from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the portion size and any additional ingredients added.

Carbohydrates

Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the spinach noodles and red peppers providing a good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

Fats

This dish is low in fat, with the only significant source of fat coming from the small amount of olive oil used to sauté the garlic and herbs.

Proteins

While this dish is not particularly high in protein, you can easily add protein by including chicken, shrimp, tofu, or beans as additional ingredients.

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers is a great source of vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the red peppers and iron from the spinach noodles.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the pasta noodles. If you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, you can use gluten-free noodles as a substitute.

Summary

Overall, Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It can be easily customized to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

Summary

Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers. It was a sunny day in the late summer, and I had just finished browsing through a magazine at my local library when I stumbled upon it. The vibrant colors of the dish caught my eye immediately, and I knew I had to try making it myself.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. The recipe called for fresh spinach, red bell peppers, garlic, and Parmesan cheese - all ingredients that reminded me of my childhood growing up in Italy. I could almost taste the flavors just by reading the words on the page.

I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish, so I quickly jotted down the recipe and headed home to gather the ingredients. As I chopped the red peppers and minced the garlic, I couldn't help but think back to the days when I first learned how to cook from my own grandmother.

My grandmother was a wonderful cook, and she had a talent for turning simple ingredients into delicious meals. She taught me everything I know about cooking, from how to properly sauté vegetables to the importance of seasoning dishes just right. I remember spending countless hours in her kitchen, watching her work her magic and soaking up every bit of knowledge she shared with me.

One of my favorite memories with my grandmother was the day she taught me how to make homemade pasta. We spent hours rolling out the dough, cutting it into perfect strands, and watching it cook to perfection. It was a labor of love, but the end result was always worth it - a delicious plate of pasta that tasted like home.

As I finished preparing the Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride wash over me. The dish looked just as vibrant and delicious as the picture in the magazine, and I knew that my grandmother would be proud of me for mastering another recipe in her honor.

I set the table with a fresh bouquet of flowers and a bottle of red wine, knowing that this meal would be a special one. As I sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the pasta and closed my eyes, savoring the flavors that danced on my tongue. The tender spinach, the sweet red peppers, the savory garlic - it was a symphony of tastes that brought me back to my childhood in Italy.

As I finished my meal, I couldn't help but smile to myself. This recipe for Spinach Pasta with Red Peppers had not only brought me back to my roots, but it had also reminded me of the love and passion that my grandmother had instilled in me for cooking. I knew that I would cherish this recipe for years to come, passing it down to future generations and sharing the story of how I learned to make it with anyone who would listen.

And as I cleared the table and washed the dishes, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the gift of cooking that my grandmother had given me. It was a gift that had brought me joy, comfort, and a sense of connection to my past - and for that, I would always be thankful.