Cavatappi With Parmesan Recipe
Colored with virgin olive oil, spinach, and garlic
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Vegetables
Sauce
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- 1
Boil the Water
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- 2
Cook the Pasta
Add the cavatappi pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 3
Drain the Pasta
Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
Preparing the Sauce
- 4
Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat 1 cup of virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
- 5
Add Spinach
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with the garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
- 6
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained cavatappi pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the spinach and garlic. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Finishing Touches
- 7
Add Parmesan and Season
Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything together until well combined and the cheese is melted.
- 8
Serve
Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.