Mediterranean Spinach and Pine Nut Pasta Delight
Indulge in this Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish that combines the earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and the delightful crunch of toasted pine nuts. This recipe elevates your everyday pasta experience by infusing it with rich aromas from garlic and onions, complemented by a splash of dry white wine for depth. Topped generously with shavings of Parmesan cheese, this dish is not just a meal, but a culinary journey that brings joy to your dining table. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings, it's a crowd-pleaser that leaves you craving for more!
4
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
spiral-shaped pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
olive oil
1/2 cup (for sautéing)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
onion
1 (halved and sliced)
mushrooms
3 large (sliced)
spinach
8 ounces (fresh)
pine nuts
2 tablespoons (toasted)
dry white wine
6 tablespoons
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Parmesan cheese
to garnish (shavings)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spiral-shaped pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2
In a large saucepan over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once hot, add the crushed garlic and sliced onion. Sauté for approximately 1 minute until fragrant and the onion starts to soften.
3
Next, stir in the sliced mushrooms and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and lightly browned.
4
Add the fresh spinach to the pan and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the spinach has completely wilted and is well incorporated with the other ingredients.
5
Incorporate the toasted pine nuts and pour in the dry white wine. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and let it cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Finally, add the drained pasta to the sauce mixture, tossing well to ensure all the pasta is coated with the delicious sauce.
7
Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl, generously garnish with shavings of Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
10.5g
Fat
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Spinach and Pine Nut Pasta Delight?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, toasted pine nuts, and a savory sauce made with garlic, onions, and dry white wine.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked spiral-shaped pasta.
What are the nutritional highlights per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 10.5g of fat, and 5g of protein.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
How should I cook the pasta?
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spiral pasta until it is al dente, then drain and set aside.
What kind of mushrooms should I use?
The recipe specifies using 3 large mushrooms that are sliced before sautéing.
How is the garlic prepared for this recipe?
Two garlic cloves should be crushed before being added to the saucepan.
What type of wine is best for the sauce?
The recipe recommends using 6 tablespoons of dry white wine to add depth to the flavor profile.
How much spinach is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of fresh spinach.
How long should the spinach be sautéed?
The spinach should be sautéed for 4-5 minutes until it has completely wilted.
How are the pine nuts prepared?
The pine nuts should be toasted before being incorporated into the sauce.
What is the primary oil used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of olive oil for sautéing the aromatic ingredients.
How should the onion be sliced?
The onion should be halved and then sliced before being sautéed with the garlic.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick weeknight dinner option.
What is the final garnish for the dish?
The pasta should be generously garnished with shavings of Parmesan cheese.
Can I adjust the seasoning?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste during the final stages of cooking.
How long do I sauté the garlic and onion?
Sauté them for approximately 1 minute until fragrant and the onion starts to soften.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
This recipe requires 11 specific ingredients.
What is the sequence for adding ingredients to the saucepan?
Start with olive oil, garlic, and onion; then mushrooms; then spinach; followed by pine nuts, wine, and seasonings.
How do I ensure the pasta is well-coated?
Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce mixture in the pan and toss well.
Does this dish have a specific cultural theme?
Yes, it is characterized by Mediterranean and Greek flavors.
Is there any fiber or sugar information provided?
The provided data lists fiber and sugar values as null for this specific entry.
How many pine nuts are used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts.
Can this be served at elegant gatherings?
Yes, the description notes it is perfect for both quick dinners and elegant gatherings.
How long do the mushrooms take to cook?
Mushrooms take about 2 minutes to become tender and lightly browned.
Should the pasta be served hot?
Yes, the instructions recommend serving the dish immediately after preparation.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
The cholesterol value is listed as null in the provided recipe data.
What makes the dish 'earthy'?
The combination of sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach provides the earthy flavor profile described.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, spinach, pine nuts, mediterranean, vegetarian, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, healthy, and greek.