Pasta Florentina
A hearty Italian pasta dish featuring fresh spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes, seasoned with herbs, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal that bursts with flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw and drain the chopped spinach.
- Saute garlic, chopped onion, and sliced mushrooms in 3 tablespoons of olive oil until soft.
- Add canned sliced tomatoes with juice to the sautéed mixture.
- Season with oregano, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add the drained spinach to the sauce.
- Continue simmering for an additional 20 minutes.
- Serve the sauce over cooked corkscrew pasta and garnish with grated cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried ones, as they elevate the dish. If you’re short on time, pre-sliced mushrooms can save prep time. Additionally, you can substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a slightly different taste. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a delightful kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pasta Florentina with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. A side of garlic bread or a green salad pairs beautifully with this dish. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Meat Rolls Milanese or a side of Italian-style roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Florentina contains roughly 283 calories, with 13g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (38% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 787mg per serving (34% 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 make Pasta Florentina ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce while cooking the pasta. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making it a great option for meal prep.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Corkscrew pasta is ideal as it holds onto the sauce well, but you can substitute with other shapes like penne or fusilli. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to provide the best texture against the hearty sauce.
Can I freeze leftover Pasta Florentina?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve for the best texture.
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).