Citrus Spinach Angel Hair Delight
Indulge in a plate of Citrus Spinach Angel Hair Delight, where delicate strands of angel hair pasta entwine with a vibrant mix of garden-fresh spinach, succulent tomatoes, and a zesty lime-infused sauce. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, offering a refreshing twist to traditional pasta. Ideal for a light dinner or a fancy gathering, you can also experiment with lemon for an alternative citrus flair. Enjoy the health benefits of spinach while treating your taste buds to a delightful culinary experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
ripe tomatoes
1 lb (peeled and chopped)
baby spinach
1 bunch (washed and trimmed)
garlic cloves
5 (crushed)
lime
1/2 (zest and juice)
Tabasco sauce
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
angel hair pasta (capellini)
2 ounces (dry)
olive oil
3-4 tablespoons (extra virgin recommended)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and chopped tomatoes, tender baby spinach, crushed garlic, lime zest, and lime juice.
2
Add the Tabasco sauce and olive oil, then mix well. Cover the bowl and let the mixture marinate for 20-30 minutes at room temperature to enhance the flavors.
3
While the tomato mixture marinates, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil.
4
Once boiling, add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10 minutes (or less for al dente).
5
Carefully drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot. Pour the marinated tomato and spinach mixture over the hot pasta.
6
Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
7
Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For an added touch, sprinkle extra cheese on top and enjoy your vibrant, zesty dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in Citrus Spinach Angel Hair Delight?
The main ingredients include angel hair pasta, ripe tomatoes, baby spinach, garlic, lime zest and juice, Tabasco sauce, and olive oil.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while angel hair (capellini) is recommended for its delicate texture, you can substitute it with thin spaghetti or linguine.
Do the tomatoes need to be peeled?
The recipe suggests using peeled and chopped tomatoes to ensure a smoother texture in the marinated sauce.
How long should the tomato and spinach mixture marinate?
The mixture should marinate for 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Yes, you can use lemon zest and juice for an alternative citrus flair if you prefer it over lime.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish has a slight kick from the 1/4 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce, but you can adjust the amount to your spice preference.
How do I make this dish vegan?
To make the recipe vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese garnish or replace it with a nutritional yeast-based vegan alternative.
What is the recommended cooking time for the pasta?
Angel hair pasta typically cooks in about 10 minutes or less. Check the package instructions for the specific brand you are using.
Is the spinach cooked in this recipe?
The baby spinach is not pre-cooked; it is marinated with the tomatoes and then tossed with the hot pasta, which wilts it slightly.
How much garlic is used in this dish?
This recipe calls for 5 cloves of crushed garlic for a robust, savory flavor.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh baby spinach is recommended for the best texture, but if using frozen, ensure it is completely thawed and squeezed dry first.
What type of olive oil is best for this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended to provide the best flavor for the raw marinated sauce.
Should the dish be served hot or cold?
This dish is best served immediately while the pasta is hot, though it can also be enjoyed as a cold pasta salad.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is considered healthy as it features fresh vegetables, heart-healthy olive oil, and provides the nutritional benefits of spinach.
What can I serve as a garnish?
The recipe suggests garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra lime zest if desired.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Yes, succulent shrimp, grilled chicken, or chickpeas would make excellent additions to this citrus-infused dish.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Based on the 2 ounces of pasta listed, this recipe serves approximately 1 to 2 people as a light meal.
What is capellini?
Capellini is another name for angel hair pasta, which is a very thin variety of Italian pasta.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
Can I prepare the marinated mixture in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the vegetables a few hours ahead of time, but it is best kept at room temperature for the first 30 minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or eat cold.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
The base recipe is cholesterol-free unless you add the optional Parmesan cheese.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes?
Yes, halved cherry or grape tomatoes can be used and do not necessarily need to be peeled.
Is it necessary to salt the pasta water?
Yes, boiling the pasta in lightly salted water is recommended to season the noodles from within.
What is the purpose of lime zest?
Lime zest contains essential oils that provide a more intense citrus aroma and flavor than the juice alone.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh?
Fresh garlic is highly recommended for this marinade, but 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Ensure you use a large pot of water and toss the pasta immediately with the olive oil-based marinade after draining.
Is this dish gluten-free?
This recipe contains wheat-based pasta. To make it gluten-free, substitute with your favorite gluten-free angel hair pasta.
What does 'al dente' mean?
'Al dente' describes pasta that is cooked to be firm to the bite rather than soft or mushy.
Can I add herbs to this recipe?
Yes, fresh basil or parsley would complement the tomato and lime flavors beautifully.