Take Five Pasta

Try this Take Five Pasta recipe from the ALDI Test Kitchen. This recipe combines the perfect balance of flavors and textures to create a satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more. With its simple preparation and customizable options, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

To begin, start by cooking the gluten-free penne pasta according to the package instructions. You’ll want to achieve that perfect al dente texture, where the pasta is cooked but still has a slight bite to it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be tossed with the delicious tomato mixture.

In the meantime, heat up a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes, allowing their vibrant colors and flavors to come to life. As they gently simmer in the skillet, they release their natural juices, creating a luscious base for the dish. To enhance the sweetness of the tomatoes, sprinkle in a touch of granulated sugar, balancing out the acidity and creating a harmonious flavor profile.

To add a subtle kick of flavor, season the tomato mixture with ground black pepper. This adds a hint of spice and depth, elevating the overall taste of the dish. Introduce a vibrant element by adding organic baby spinach to the skillet. As the spinach wilts down, it infuses the dish with its earthy flavor and vibrant green color, adding a nutritious touch to the pasta.

Now it's time to bring everything together. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the flavorful tomato and spinach mixture. Toss the ingredients gently, ensuring that each strand of pasta is coated in the delightful flavors. The combination of the juicy tomatoes, wilted spinach and perfectly cooked pasta creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

To enhance the presentation and add a touch of richness, garnish the dish with shredded parmesan cheese. The parmesan melts slightly over the warm pasta, releasing its savory aroma and providing a creamy and salty element to each bite. It's the finishing touch that completes the dish and adds that extra layer of flavor.

Whether you serve it as a satisfying main course or as a flavorful side dish, this Take Five Pasta is sure to please. The combination of tender gluten-free penne, flavorful tomatoes, wilted spinach and savory parmesan cheese creates a delightful harmony of flavors. It's a dish that celebrates simplicity, versatility and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with your loved ones.

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and reserve.
While pasta is cooking, heat skillet over medium heat. Add tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. Add sugar, pepper and spinach, cook for another 3 minutes or until spinach is wilted.
In a large bowl, toss tomato mixture with pasta. Garnish with parmesan and serve immediately.

TIP: To personalize this dish and match your family’s flavor preferences, try simple additions such as garlic and onions sautéed in olive oil, a sprinkle of oregano or basil, diced ham or pepperoni or olives and feta cheese.

Recipe Courtesy of Food & Culinary Professionals member Karen Buch, RDN, LDN