Bow Tie Pasta with Baby Spinach Recipe
A delightful and nutritious dish, Bow Tie Pasta with Baby Spinach is perfect for lunch or a light dinner. This Italian-inspired recipe combines the delicate flavors of sautéed garlic, onion, and tomato puree, complemented by the fresh bite of baby spinach. Topped with homemade cottage cheese, fragrant basil, and a sprinkle of edible mustard flowers, it creates a visually stunning and flavorful meal that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Del Monte Farfalle Pasta | 1 1/2 cups |
| Baby Spinach | 2 cups |
| Homemade Tomato Puree | 1 cup |
| Onion (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 5 cloves |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Basil Leaves (chopped) | 5 leaves |
| Parsley Leaves (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Chenna (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1/4 cup |
| Mustard Flowers (edible) | A few |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil to the water. Lower the flame to medium and add the farfalle pasta. Let the pasta cook for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Traditionally, pasta is cooked al dente (firm to the bite), but you can cook it to your preference. -
-
Sauté Aromatics
While the pasta is cooking, heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter melts, stir in the Italian seasoning. Follow by adding the finely chopped garlic and onion. Sauté the mixture until the onions are soft and translucent. -
Prepare the Sauce
Add the homemade tomato puree to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld. Tear the basil leaves and add them to the sauce, stirring well. Season the mixture with black pepper and salt to taste. -
Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the saucepan with the tomato sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it is well coated. Add the baby spinach to the pan and cover the saucepan with a lid, allowing the spinach to wilt and cook down, about 2-3 minutes. -
Mix and Serve
Give the pasta a final stir to make sure all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley, homemade chenna (cottage cheese), and a few edible mustard flowers for a burst of color and flavor. -
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Bow Tie Pasta with Baby Spinach alongside a crisp garlic bread and a bowl of broccoli soup for a perfect Sunday lunch that will delight your family and guests.
Tips for a Perfect Bow Tie Pasta with Baby Spinach:
- Pasta texture: For al dente pasta, cook it for 7-8 minutes; for a softer texture, cook it a bit longer.
- Spinach cooking: Ensure that the spinach is just wilted, not overcooked, to preserve its nutrients and color.
- Cheese variation: If homemade cottage cheese isn’t available, ricotta cheese or paneer can be a good substitute.
- Mustard flowers: These edible flowers are not just a garnish but also add a unique, mild flavor that pairs well with the fresh spinach.
Enjoy your Bow Tie Pasta with Baby Spinach, a simple yet elegant meal that brings together the best of fresh ingredients and traditional Italian flavors. Perfect for any day of the week!
