Italian food is getting expensive. A plate of Spaghetti and Meatballs or Penne alla Vodka can cost $10-15 at your local pizza shop, and that's not including the crazy prices that come with finer dining. Taking the homemade route may sound like a viable option, but then you are faced with the challenge of finding time and buying ingredients that aren't already in your pantry. But alas! Don't fear! My Garlic-Butter Farfalle with Spinach recipe is easy, gourmet, and does not require any out-of-pantry purchases. Plus, it won't deflate the wallet.
Garlic-Butter Farfalle with Spinach
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: 15 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 8 oz uncooked Farfalle (but any pasta is fine)
-3 tablespoons of butter
-3 tablespoons olive oil, separated
-4 cloves of jarred, minced garlic
-1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
-5-6 cups of spinach, roughly chopped
-Juice of one lemon
-Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Add pasta to a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta while reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drizzle the pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking together and set aside.
2. Using the same pot, cook butter and remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. While sauce cooks, roughly chop spinach. Add the spinach to the pan and cook until leaves are wilted. Add pasta and cook for 5 min, slowly adding 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water. If the pasta starts to dry out, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
4. Remove from heat. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Play Dean Martin's That's Amore and enjoy!