Fettucini With Spinach
Creamy fettucini with spinach and cheese offers a comforting blend of flavors, perfect for a quick, satisfying vegetarian meal that appeals to pasta lovers and spinach enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook spinach and garlic in olive oil for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Dissolve chicken bouillon in water or spinach juice.
- Add the bouillon mixture, basil, and cottage cheese to the spinach in the skillet.
- Stir over low heat to blend all ingredients.
- Toss the cooked fettucini, grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, and the spinach mixture together in a heated large bowl.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Refrigerate leftovers if any.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat cottage cheese instead of lite. If you don't have spinach juice, water works just fine. Fresh spinach can be substituted for frozen; just use about 6 oz. and sauté it until wilted. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice kick. This recipe is versatile enough to pair with other Italian recipes like Chicken Parmegiana.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a light side salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a simple bruschetta would complement it well, enhancing the meal's Italian flair. This fettucini pairs beautifully with Chicken Verona for a heartier dinner, or serve it alongside grilled vegetables for a lighter option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Microwaving is also an option; just cover the dish to keep it moist and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fettucini With Spinach contains roughly 287 calories, with 17g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (98% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), and potassium (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1367mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can certainly use fresh spinach! About 6 oz. of fresh spinach will suffice. Just wash and sauté it in the skillet until wilted before adding it to the dish. This will give you a vibrant color and fresh flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the chicken bouillon and use vegetable broth instead. This will maintain the flavor without compromising the vegetarian aspect. You can also enhance the dish with more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you don't have cottage cheese, ricotta cheese can be a great substitute for a creamier texture. Greek yogurt can also work in a pinch, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid an overly tangy flavor. Each option will provide a different texture and taste profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).