Super simple spinach pasta

At least once a week I try to eat meat-free. I like meat, but I also don’t like how I feel when I eat too much of it. When I went in search of meals that I could make that were quick and easy, and meat-free, a lot of what I was coming across required a special trip to the supermarket — not exactly budget friendly. One thing I can guarantee I always have in the pantry is pasta. (Gasp! You mean she doesn’t make her own?)

If you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian pasta dish, or you want comfort food on a budget, this recipe proves to be just the thing.

I used spaghetti with this spinach sauce. It was quick to make (about 15 minutes all up) and a really satisfying meal.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• 450g fresh baby spinach, washed
• 500g spaghetti
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving

Method

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep frying pan on medium-high heat. Add  garlic and cook to soften, but not quite brown.
2. Add spinach and sauté with the garlic until wilted. Season with salt and pepper, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Cook pasta according to the instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Drain, and set aside.
4. Add spinach and garlic mixture to a food processor or blender with the cheese and half of the pasta water. Puree until it forms a sauce (adding more pasta water if needed).
5. Add sauce back into the pan to combine and heat through, again adding more pasta water if needed.
6. Once heated through, taste and season with more salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately sprinkled with extra grated cheese.