Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 21 min
Total time: 26 min
Ingredients: 1 lb fusilli pasta; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup mascarpone cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: pinch of nutmeg, red pepper flakes

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Here’s a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines the delicate flavors of fresh spinach with the luxurious texture of mascarpone cheese. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy the comforting taste of creamy pasta but also appreciate the added nutritional benefits of leafy greens.

The fusilli pasta, with its spiral shape, holds the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is as flavorful as the last. This dish is simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a hassle-free yet elegant meal for guests.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 21 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb fusilli pasta
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of nutmeg, red pepper flakes

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Instructions

Cook Fusilli (10-12 minutes): Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fusilli according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.
Sauté Garlic (2 minutes): In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add Spinach (3 minutes): Add the chopped spinach to the skillet, and sauté until it wilts.
Create Sauce (5 minutes): Lower the heat and stir in the mascarpone cheese until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Combine Pasta and Sauce (3 minutes): Add the cooked fusilli to the skillet with the spinach and mascarpone sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
Season (2 minutes): Season with salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg or red pepper flakes.
Serve with Parmesan (1 minute): Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

To perfect this pasta dish, ensure that the spinach is just wilted so it retains some texture. The mascarpone cheese should be gently melted to create a smooth, velvety sauce. Adding pasta water helps adjust the sauce’s thickness and adds a silky texture.

The dish can be customized with a pinch of nutmeg for warmth or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This pasta is best enjoyed fresh but can also be reheated for a comforting meal.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 50mg

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