Bow Tie Pasta with Baby Spinach Recipe
Bow Tie Pasta with Baby Spinach is a delightful and simple pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Baby spinach adds not only a beautiful pop of color but also a delicate earthiness to this dish, making it both flavorful and nutritious. This recipe is a wonderful fusion of Italian techniques and Indian flavors, with a touch of homemade cottage cheese (chenna) and mustard flowers as a unique garnish. The perfect meal for a light yet satisfying lunch, this pasta can be enjoyed with a side of garlic bread and a warm bowl of broccoli soup.
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
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 (Salted) | 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
Serving Size: Serves 3-4
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil to the water.
- Once the water is boiling, add the Farfalle pasta to the pot and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the pasta cook for about 5 minutes, or until it reaches your preferred level of doneness. Traditionally, pasta is cooked al dente, which means it’s cooked to be firm to the bite, but feel free to cook it longer if you prefer your pasta more tender.
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Prepare the Sauce:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter.
- Once the butter has melted, stir in the Italian seasoning and let it sizzle for a few seconds to release the flavors.
- Add the finely chopped garlic and onion, sautéing until the onions become soft and translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the Tomato Puree:
- Pour in the homemade tomato puree and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Tear the basil leaves and add them to the sauce, mixing everything together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Once the Farfalle pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving a little pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later.
- Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the tomato mixture. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat it thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is well-mixed with the flavorful tomato base.
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Add Spinach:
- Now, gently fold in the fresh baby spinach, allowing it to wilt down as it heats up in the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid for a minute or two to help the spinach cook quickly.
- Once the spinach has softened, give everything a final mix to combine all the ingredients.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the pasta onto a serving platter. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley leaves, crumbled homemade cottage cheese (chenna), and a few mustard flowers for an elegant touch.
- Serve your Bow Tie Pasta with Baby Spinach immediately, alongside some garlic bread and a warm bowl of broccoli soup for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | ~8 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~4 g |
| Sugars | ~5 g |
| Fat | ~14 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~3 g |
| Cholesterol | ~15 mg |
| Sodium | ~180 mg |
| Potassium | ~250 mg |
Tips for Perfecting Your Bow Tie Pasta with Baby Spinach:
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Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add some crushed tomatoes or a touch of cream to make the sauce richer and creamier. If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a pinch of red chili flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic.
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Cook Pasta to Your Liking: Although al dente is the traditional way to prepare pasta, Indian tastes often prefer pasta that is more thoroughly cooked. Adjust the cooking time to suit your preference.
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Use Fresh Chenna: If homemade chenna (cottage cheese) isn’t available, you can substitute it with paneer or ricotta cheese for a similar texture.
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Garnish with Flair: Mustard flowers not only add a burst of color to the dish but also bring a delicate, mild flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory pasta. If mustard flowers aren’t available, fresh microgreens or edible flowers can be a beautiful alternative.
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Serve with Garlic Bread and Soup: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a light vegetable soup, like broccoli soup, for a well-rounded meal.
This Bow Tie Pasta with Baby Spinach is not just a simple dish, but a celebration of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a light lunch or enjoying a quiet meal by yourself, this recipe offers a perfect balance of nutrition and taste. Try this Italian-inspired dish with a twist and enjoy the delightful fusion of baby spinach, aromatic seasonings, and homemade touches.
