If you're craving a dish that embodies the essence of Italian comfort food, look no further than Fettuccini Entintado con Espinaca! This creamy, dreamy pasta dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to a quaint trattoria in Italy. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. Ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that combines the rich goodness of heavy cream, the vibrant freshness of spinach, and the savory touch of Parmesan cheese!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the fettuccini to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach leaves and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they are wilted and bright green.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the spinach. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Add the pasta directly to the skillet with the spinach and cream.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss everything together, using the reserved pasta water if needed to help create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Remove from heat and plate immediately. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy your Fettuccini Entintado con Espinaca!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: Make sure to salt your boiling water generously; it should taste like the sea! This is your opportunity to flavor the pasta itself.
- Al Dente is Key: Follow the package instructions for cooking time but start checking for doneness a minute or two early. You want the fettuccini to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it.
- Fresh Spinach Matters: Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. If you're in a pinch, baby spinach works well too.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining! It’s a secret weapon for achieving that silky sauce consistency.
- Customize Your Cheese: While Parmesan is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even a sprinkle of mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Add a Twist: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the spinach.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot, so have your plates ready and serve right after mixing in the sauce!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 90mg
