Monday, September 1, 2008

Corinne's Amazing Pasta Dinner

My SIL made this amazing pasta dinner one night when she didn't feel like cooking. I LOVED it and have been making versions of it ever since. This is the best way I've found to duplicate the dish. Check the comments in a day or two to see if Corinne adds any instructions.

Ingredients
1 lb short pasta (such as gemelli or penne)
2 large ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 package baby spinach, about 6oz
12 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into bite-size pieces
2 cloves garlic, chopped 
1/4 cup prepared pesto (like this one by Classico)
2 tbs olive oil

Kosher salt and pepper

Directions

-  Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
-  While the pasta is cooking put the spinach in the bottom of a large bowl.
-  When the pasta is finished, drain and return to pan.
-  Add the olive oil, pesto and garlic and quickly stir until the pasta is coated.
-  While the pasta is still very hot, pour it over the spinach
-  Let stand for about two minutes so the pasta has time to wilt the spinach.
- Stir in the mozzarella and tomato.

Hints:
-  It's a good idea to let your tomato, mozzarella and spinach come to room temp before making this dish or the end result will be lukewarm.

6 comments:

  1. I'm so flattered Amy! The only other thing I add is a random array of seasonings (basil, oregano, a little cayenne pepper). I also add some pieces of rotisserie chicken sometimes when Chris is too hungry for a "no meat meal" :-) VERY easy!

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  2. Amy, forgive my ignorance, but I am no chef; just like easy meals and this sounds wonderful. Question - "prepared pesto" is that something I prepare or can you buy already prepared? Thanks!

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  3. Sorry Terry, I just assume that everyone knows all my cooking shortcuts. I added a link for a great prepared pesto by Classico. You can find it next to the pasta sauce in the grocery store.

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  4. You can also buy prepared, refrigerated basil pesto (a little more expensive, but I think it tastes better than the jarred). It's near the refrigerated pasta in most stores.

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  5. My husband flipped for this dish he took some over to his friend who then stopped eating what was already on his plate and switched to this for dinner :) I will be including this on my weekly menu until everyone needs a break from it. It is sooo easy to make, has fresh ingredients and is really inexpensive for the quality.

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Thanks for leaving a comment. I love to see how these recipes work out for you and what modifications you make. Sorry to have to turn on the word verificatoin but this blog has been getting a LOT of spam!