Creamy Orecchiette with Spinach, Roasted Red Peppers, and Feta
Indulge in this delightful vegetarian pasta dish that combines the unique shape of orecchiette with the earthy flavors of sautéed spinach, sweet roasted red peppers, and tangy feta cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. Ready in just about the time it takes to boil the pasta, this colorful dish is not only quick to prepare but also versatile—feel free to double the ingredients for larger gatherings. Enjoy a burst of flavors with each bite, as the creamy feta mingles with the vibrant vegetables to create a delightful dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
orecchiette
1/2 lb (uncooked)
salt
to taste
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
frozen chopped spinach
10 ounces (thawed and squeezed of liquid)
roasted red peppers
3-4 ounces (chopped (preferably packed in olive oil))
feta cheese
4 ounces (crumbled)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette and cook according to package directions, typically around 9 minutes, until al dente.
2
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
3
Stir in the thawed and drained chopped spinach, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
4
Add the chopped roasted red peppers to the pan, allowing the mixture to warm over low heat. Keep the sauté warm as you prepare the pasta.
5
Once the orecchiette is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta. Immediately add the cooked pasta to the spinach and red pepper mixture.
6
Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the pasta. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water gradually until the mixture reaches a creamy and cohesive consistency.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with extra feta or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Orecchiette with Spinach, Roasted Red Peppers, and Feta?
It is a delightful vegetarian pasta dish that combines orecchiette pasta with sautéed spinach, sweet roasted red peppers, and tangy feta cheese for a quick and elegant meal.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This recipe is ready in about 20 minutes, which is roughly the time it takes to boil the pasta.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish that focuses on vegetables, pasta, and cheese.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of uncooked orecchiette pasta.
Can I substitute orecchiette with another pasta shape?
Yes, while orecchiette is ideal for holding the ingredients, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells or fusilli if needed.
How much spinach do I need?
You will need 10 ounces of frozen chopped spinach, which should be thawed and squeezed of liquid.
How do I prepare the spinach for this recipe?
The frozen spinach should be thawed and then squeezed to remove as much liquid as possible before sautéing.
What kind of peppers are used?
The recipe calls for 3-4 ounces of chopped roasted red peppers, preferably those packed in olive oil.
How much feta cheese is required?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese.
What creates the creamy texture in this dish?
The creaminess is achieved by tossing the cooked pasta with crumbled feta cheese and a bit of reserved pasta water.
How much garlic should I use?
Use 2 minced garlic cloves to flavor the dish.
How much olive oil is needed for sautéing?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
Reserved pasta water is added gradually to the pasta and vegetables to help the feta create a creamy and cohesive consistency.
How much pasta water should I reserve?
You should reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the orecchiette.
How long should the pasta cook?
Typically, orecchiette takes about 9 minutes to reach an al dente texture, but you should follow the specific package directions.
Should the garlic be browned?
No, you should sauté the garlic for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
How do I season the spinach?
The spinach should be lightly seasoned with salt and pepper while sautéing for 2-3 minutes.
Is this dish good for entertaining guests?
Yes, it is considered elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Absolutely, the ingredients can be easily doubled to accommodate more people.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve it immediately, garnished with extra feta or a drizzle of olive oil if you prefer.
Can I use fresh bell peppers instead of roasted ones?
While roasted peppers provide a specific sweet and smoky flavor, you could sauté fresh bell peppers until soft if roasted ones are unavailable.
What kind of pan should I use?
A large sauté pan is recommended to ensure there is enough room to toss the pasta with the vegetables.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its warm, creamy, and satisfying nature.
Can I add protein to this dish?
While the recipe is vegetarian, you could easily add grilled chicken or shrimp if you desire.
What should I do if the pasta is too dry?
Add the reserved pasta water gradually until the mixture reaches your desired creamy consistency.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked so it is still firm to the bite, which is the preferred texture for this dish.
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but you will need a large volume as it wilts down significantly when cooked.
Is salt added to the pasta water?
Yes, you should bring a large pot of salted water to a boil before adding the pasta.
How do I handle the roasted red peppers?
They should be chopped and added to the pan after the spinach to warm through over low heat.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick meal' and a '20-minute' recipe, making it perfect for busy schedules.