Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound rigatino di Castel San Pietro pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for sautéing spinach and garlic
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatino di Castel San Pietro pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed spinach and garlic, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach leaves.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
5. Temperature:
N/A
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 400mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Rigatino di Castel San Pietro pasta can be substituted with any other short pasta shape, such as penne or fusilli.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for added flavor.
- Substitute the Parmesan cheese with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Tips and tricks:
- Reserve some of the pasta water to add to the sauce for a creamier consistency.
- Be sure to season the spinach with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to the sauce to loosen it up.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the pasta in individual bowls, garnished with fresh spinach leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
Fresh spinach leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and a glass of red wine.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- If the sauce is too thin, add more ricotta cheese or grated Parmesan cheese to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the pasta and spinach to the appropriate temperature to avoid any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Rigatino di Castel San Pietro is a type of pasta that originates from the town of Castel San Pietro in Italy. It is a short, ridged pasta shape that is perfect for holding onto sauces.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is creamy, savory, and slightly garlicky, with a hint of nuttiness from the Parmesan cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve this dish as a main course for a cozy weeknight dinner.
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Region: Italian