Spaghetti with spinach sauce

Spaghetti with spinach sauce: a delicious and quick recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn't love a plate of delicious spaghetti, whether it's a quick dinner after a long day or a family meal? Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a simple recipe for spaghetti with spinach sauce, which combines the fresh flavor of spinach with the creaminess of the sauce, offering a nutritious and colorful meal. This recipe is not only quick but also a great way to add vegetables to your daily diet.

Ingredients needed:
- 300 g spaghetti
- 50 g butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 400 ml milk
- 4 cloves of garlic
- ~500 g fresh spinach
- Salt, pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh basil (or dried if you don't have)

Ingredient details:
- Spaghetti: Choose quality pasta, preferably durum wheat, for better texture and intense flavor. Look for whole grain spaghetti for added nutrients.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent health choice. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well.
- Garlic: Besides its unmistakable aroma, garlic has numerous health benefits, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Milk: Use whole milk for a creamier sauce or skim milk for a lighter version.
- Basil: This aromatic herb adds a fresh and vibrant taste to the sauce. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried spices, but the flavor will be different.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, add water and a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes, until al dente. Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the spinach: Meanwhile, in another pot, add a little water and bring it to a boil. Add the spinach and let it boil for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain the spinach and chop it finely. If you want a smoother texture, you can use a food processor.

3. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir for a minute until a smooth paste forms. This is the base of our sauce (roux).

4. Add the milk: Gradually add the milk in a thin stream, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.

5. Season the sauce: Add salt, pepper, the chopped spinach, and basil. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. In the last 30 seconds, add the crushed garlic for its intense aroma.

6. Combine the pasta with the sauce: Once the pasta is ready, drain it well and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Transfer the spaghetti to the skillet with the spinach sauce, mixing well so that the pasta is completely coated with the sauce.

7. Serve: Serve the spaghetti hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated parmesan if desired. This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a slice of garlic bread.

Helpful tips:
- If you want a richer sauce, add a few tablespoons of cream or cottage cheese.
- Experiment with various herbs like oregano or parsley to give a personal touch to the sauce.
- You can also add other vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes or zucchini, to make the dish even more colorful and healthy.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This recipe offers a balanced meal, rich in fiber due to the spaghetti and spinach, being a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. One serving has approximately 400-450 calories, depending on the amount of butter and milk used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Of course! You can experiment with whole grain pasta, rice pasta, or even vegetable pasta for a healthier option.

2. How can I make the recipe vegan?
Replace the butter with olive oil and the milk with almond or soy milk. It offers a similar flavor but with a different nutritional profile.

3. Can it be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the spinach sauce and pasta separately, then combine them before serving. This can make the recipe even quicker on busy days.

This spinach sauce spaghetti recipe is not only quick but also full of flavor and nutrients. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, it will surely delight you! Enjoy every bite and happy cooking!