Rustic Winter Spinach Orecchiette

A cozy and satisfying pasta dish with vibrant spinach and a touch of garlic, perfect for a chilly night.

⏱️ Cooking Time: 20 minutes | 🍽️ Servings: 1

Instructions

1. 1.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Al dente means the pasta should have a slight bite to it, ensuring it is not overcooked. Once done, drain the pasta and reserve around 1/4 cup of the cooking water for later.
2. 2.
   While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant and begins to lightly brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
3. 3.
   Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring it into the garlic-infused oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted down and is tender. The moisture from washing the spinach helps in wilting it down quickly.
4. 4.
   Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the spinach and garlic, mixing well to combine. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring until a silky sauce forms that coats the pasta.
5. 5.
   Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring until it melts smoothly and evenly coats every piece. If the cheese is clumping, add a splash more of the reserved water to smooth it out. Serve immediately, enjoying the warmth and comfort it brings.