Italian food is getting expensive. A plate of Spaghetti and Meatballs or Penne alla Vodka can cost $10-15 at your local pizza shop, and that's not including the crazy prices that come with finer dining. Taking the homemade route may sound like a viable option, but then you are faced with the challenge of finding time and buying ingredients that aren't already in your pantry. But alas! Don't fear! My Garlic-Butter Farfalle with Spinach recipe is easy, gourmet, and does not require any out-of-pantry purchases. Plus, it won't deflate the wallet.
Garlic-Butter Farfalle with Spinach
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: 15 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz uncooked Farfalle (but any pasta is fine)
-3 tablespoons of butter
-3 tablespoons olive oil, separated
-4 cloves of jarred, minced garlic
-1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
-5-6 cups of spinach, roughly chopped
-Juice of one lemon
-Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Add pasta to a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta while reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drizzle the pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking together and set aside.
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2. Using the same pot, cook butter and remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
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3. While sauce cooks, roughly chop spinach. Add the spinach to the pan and cook until leaves are wilted. Add pasta and cook for 5 min, slowly adding 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water. If the pasta starts to dry out, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
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4. Remove from heat. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Play Dean Martin's That's Amore and enjoy!
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