Garlic spinach shells with red pepper and olive oil

Savor the delightful combination of whole-wheat pasta shells, vibrant spinach, and aromatic garlic, all brought to life with a hint of red pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. This easy and nutritious dish is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.

  • 08 May 2024
  • Cook time 15 min
  • Prep time 5 min
  • 6 Servings
  • 6 Ingredients

Garlic spinach shells with red pepper and olive oil

Garlic spinach shells with red pepper and olive oil is a delightful and nutritious dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of spinach with the robust aroma of garlic, all wonderfully balanced by a hint of spicy red pepper. The use of whole-wheat pasta adds a wholesome twist, making this a well-rounded meal for you and your family.

Ingredients:

11.99 oz whole-wheat pasta
340g
3/4 package frozen spinach
210g
1 tbsp olive oil
14g
5 garlic cloves
16g
1 tsp red pepper (spice)
0.32g
1 dash salt
0.40g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole-wheat pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
2. Cook the Spinach:
- While the pasta is cooking, place the frozen spinach in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 4-5 minutes until thawed.
- Drain any excess water from the spinach and set aside.
3. Prepare the Garlic and Red Pepper:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Add the red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked spinach to the skillet with the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2-3 minutes until the spinach is well combined and heated through.
- Season with a dash of salt and stir to combine.
5. Mix with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach mixture. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to achieve desired consistency. This helps in making a light sauce that coats the pasta.
6. Serve:
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve warm, garnished with an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips:

- Thaw the frozen spinach thoroughly and squeeze out any excess water to avoid a watery dish.

- Use fresh garlic for a more intense and authentic flavor.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper according to your spice tolerance.

- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a burst of freshness.

- Grate some Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.

- Consider adding some chopped cherry tomatoes for a touch of sweetness and color.

Garlic spinach shells with red pepper and olive oil is a versatile and flavorful meal that's easy to prepare yet tastes gourmet. Perfect for a quick dinner or a tasteful lunch, this recipe will surely delight your taste buds and provide essential nutrients. Enjoy this dish with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size100 grams
Energy
Calories 100kcal4%
Protein
Protein 4.99g3%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 20g6%
Fiber 3.60g9%
Sugar 0.64g1%
Fat
Fat 3.55g4%
Saturated 0.51g2%
Cholesterol 0.00mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 220ug24%
Choline 13mg2%
Vitamin B1 0.12mg10%
Vitamin B2 0.12mg9%
Vitamin B3 1.95mg12%
Vitamin B6 0.13mg8%
Vitamin B9 55ug14%
Vitamin B12 0.00ug0%
Vitamin C 1.07mg1%
Vitamin E 1.40mg9%
Vitamin K 190ug160%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 63mg5%
Copper, Cu 0.19mg0%
Iron, Fe 1.72mg16%
Magnesium, Mg 60mg14%
Phosphorus, P 90mg7%
Potassium, K 170mg5%
Selenium, Se 22ug41%
Sodium, Na 60mg4%
Zinc, Zn 0.96mg9%
Water
Water 70g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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