Pasta with Lemon, Spinach, Parmesan, and Bread Crumbs
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: < 30 Minutes
Keywords: Pasta, Lemon, Spinach, Parmesan, Bread Crumbs, Easy, Quick
This vibrant, flavorful dish is inspired by the house specialty at Cucina Biazzi, located in the charming town of Ashland, Oregon. Combining fresh ingredients and simple techniques, this recipe brings together the perfect balance of zest, creaminess, and crunch. The warm, tender pasta is coated in a garlic-infused olive oil sauce, tossed with fresh spinach, and topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs, making for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is quick. Serve it with a generous sprinkling of parmesan cheese for an added richness.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Linguine pasta | 7 ounces |
| Garlic (thinly sliced) | 12 cloves |
| Fresh lemon juice | 4 tablespoons |
| Dry crushed red pepper | 3 teaspoons |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh spinach (roughly chopped) | 1 bunch |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 599 kcal |
| Fat | 25.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 143.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 77.4 g |
| Fiber | 4.4 g |
| Sugar | 3.7 g |
| Protein | 14.5 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). This will ensure that your breadcrumbs bake to a perfect golden brown, creating that satisfying crunchy topping for your pasta.
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Prepare the breadcrumbs: In a large mixing bowl, toss the breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of the extra virgin olive oil. The oil helps the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely when baked, and gives them a slight richness.
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Bake the breadcrumbs: Spread the oiled breadcrumbs evenly over a rimmed baking sheet. Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 5 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Once cooled, sprinkle the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt to enhance their flavor.
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 9โ11 minutes, until the pasta is tender yet firm to the bite. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking liquid, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Prepare the oil mixture: While the pasta is cooking, heat the remaining 6 tablespoons of olive oil in a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and dry crushed red pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes golden and fragrant. The oil will infuse with a rich, zesty lemon flavor, enhanced by the slight heat from the crushed red pepper.
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Combine the pasta and spinach: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the garlic-lemon oil mixture. Add the fresh spinach and toss everything together until the spinach begins to wilt. If needed, add the reserved pasta cooking liquid a little at a time to help moisten the pasta and create a silky coating.
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Finish the dish: Once the pasta and spinach are well combined, sprinkle the crispy breadcrumbs evenly over the top. This gives the dish a wonderful texture contrastโcrunchy, savory breadcrumbs with the soft, tender pasta.
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Serve: Plate the pasta and serve immediately, with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to sprinkle as desired. The cheese adds a salty, creamy depth that pairs beautifully with the lemony pasta and crispy breadcrumbs.
Tips for the Perfect Pasta:
- Breadcrumbs: Use fresh breadcrumbs for the best texture. You can easily make them at home by pulsing day-old bread in a food processor.
- Adjust the heat: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more crushed red pepper to the oil mixture. For a milder version, reduce the amount.
- Extra flavor: To add more richness, you can drizzle a little extra olive oil over the finished dish or add a dollop of ricotta cheese.
This Pasta with Lemon, Spinach, Parmesan, and Bread Crumbs is a wonderful meal for any day of the week. The balance of fresh ingredients, savory breadcrumbs, and creamy cheese makes it a quick yet satisfying dish that can easily become a staple in your cooking rotation. Enjoy!
