Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of animaletti pasta
- 1/2 cup of grated provola cheese
- 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Large skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the animaletti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the cooked animaletti pasta to the skillet and toss with the spinach and garlic mixture.
5. Sprinkle the grated provola cheese over the pasta and continue to toss until the cheese is melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- N/A
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 16g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Animaletti pasta can be substituted with any small pasta shape such as fusilli or penne.
- Provola cheese can be substituted with any other type of melting cheese such as mozzarella or fontina.
- Fresh spinach leaves can be substituted with frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
- Substitute the spinach with kale or arugula for a different taste.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to salt the pasta water generously to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Use a good quality olive oil for the best taste.
- Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to add to the skillet if the pasta seems dry.
Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the pasta in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of pasta cooking water to the skillet to loosen the sauce.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente to avoid overcooking and making it mushy.
Food History:
- Animaletti pasta is a small pasta shape that is popular in Southern Italy.
Flavor Profiles:
- This dish has a savory and slightly salty flavor from the provola cheese, with a hint of garlic and a fresh taste from the spinach.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian