Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound giganti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the giganti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
4. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the cooked giganti pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the spinach mixture.
6. Add the crumbled feta cheese to the skillet and toss to combine.
7. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
N/A
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 970mg
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Giganti pasta can be substituted with any other large pasta, such as rigatoni or penne.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or blue cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
- Use different herbs and spices to change up the flavor, such as thyme or rosemary.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to salt the pasta water generously to flavor the pasta.
- Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to add to the skillet if the pasta seems dry.
- Crumble the feta cheese with your hands for a more rustic look.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pasta in a large bowl or platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of pasta cooking water or broth to the skillet.
- If the pasta seems too salty, rinse it under cold water before adding it to the skillet.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the pasta to al dente and store leftovers in the refrigerator promptly.
Food history:
Giganti pasta is a large, tube-shaped pasta that originated in Italy. Feta cheese is a Greek cheese made from sheep's milk.
Flavor profiles:
Salty, tangy, and savory.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
Related Categories
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Region: Greek