Description
Silky linguine dances with earthy spinach and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in this Mediterranean-inspired pasta delight. Creamy, zesty flavors blend perfectly, offering a quick and elegant meal that will transport you to an Italian coastal kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh linguine
Dairy:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Submerge linguine and cook for precisely 8-9 minutes until perfectly al dente, maintaining a slight firmness. Carefully drain pasta, reserving approximately 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-low temperature. Gently sauté minced garlic until aromatic and translucent, approximately 45-60 seconds. Introduce fresh spinach leaves, stirring continuously until leaves collapse and wilt completely.
- Gradually stream heavy cream into the skillet, whisking consistently to create a smooth, silky base. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese melts seamlessly and sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Fold chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the creamy sauce, distributing them evenly to ensure balanced flavor throughout the mixture.
- Transfer cooked linguine directly into the skillet, using tongs to meticulously coat each strand with the decadent sauce. If sauce appears too thick, introduce reserved pasta water incrementally to achieve ideal texture and creaminess.
- Taste and calibrate seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Plate immediately on warmed serving dishes, optional garnish of additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced richness.
Notes
- Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each strand of linguine.
- Spinach Swap: Replace fresh spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different nutrient-packed green that adds robust flavor and texture.
- Dairy-Free Hack: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy richness.
- Quick Protein Boost: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans to transform this dish into a more substantial meal without compromising its delicate flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg