Ingredients

8 ounces dry penne pasta or 8 ounces ziti pasta
1 medium onion , thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves , smashed
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 -6 medium tomatoes , seeded and coarsely chopped , about 3 cups
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ( optional )
3 3 cups watercress or 3 cups spinach , coarsely chopped
1/4 cup pine nuts or 1/4 cup slivered almonds , toasted
2 tablespoons crumbled gorgonzola or 2 tablespoons other blue cheese
Pasta Rosa-Verde is a delicious and nutritious Italian-inspired dish that combines tangy tomato sauce, nutrient-rich greens, toasted nuts, and crumbled blue cheese for a filling and satisfying meal. This pasta has a bright and colorful appearance, thanks to its main ingredients of tomatoes, watercress, and pine nuts. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, served with a side salad or garlic bread. The recipe is easy to follow and versatile enough to modify for individual tastes or dietary restrictions. Whether you're a fan of classic Italian flavors or simply looking for a healthy and hearty meal, Pasta Rosa-Verde is sure to please.

Instructions

1.Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water, according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
2.In a large skillet, cook the onion and garlic in the olive oil over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
3.Add the tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and form a sauce, about 10 minutes.
4.Add the watercress or spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the greens are wilted, about 3 minutes.
5.Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
6.Serve the pasta in bowls and sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts or almonds and crumbled gorgonzola or other blue cheese.

PROS

This pasta dish is healthy, vegetarian, and packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, iron, and antioxidants.

The combination of tangy tomato sauce, greens, and cheese makes it flavorful and satisfying.

It can be prepared in under 30 minutes and easily customized to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

CONS

The pasta is high in carbohydrates and gluten, which may be unsuitable for some individuals with dietary restrictions or preferences.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This pasta dish is full of health benefits, including:
1. Vitamins A and C, which support immune function and healthy skin
2. Iron, which aids in the formation of red blood cells and carries oxygen throughout the body
3. Antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals
4. Potassium, which regulates fluid balance and blood pressure
5. Plant compounds like lycopene, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

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