Creamed spinach pasta
This creamy spinach pasta is rich and indulgent but also jam-packed with healthy spinach. It comes together in no time, for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 200g/7oz dried pasta
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ tsp dried chilli flakes (optional)
- 300g/10½oz baby spinach
- 100²µ/3½´Ç³ú mascarpone
- 100²µ/3½´Ç³ú single cream
- pinch ground nutmeg
- 30g/1oz Parmesan (or similar vegetarian hard cheese), grated, plus extra to serve
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to the packet instructions until al dente.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat.
Add the garlic and chilli flakes (if using) and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Add the spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until wilted.
Add the mascarpone, cream and nutmeg and season generously with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer then remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan.
Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water.
Add the pasta to the sauce, with a ladleful of the pasta cooking water, and stir over a low heat until the pasta is well coated and glossy.
Serve with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.