Tricolor pasta

The pasta is boiled in salted water, according to the instructions on the package, until it becomes al dente. This is an essential step, as the pasta will continue to cook a little even after being drained. Once they reach the desired consistency, drain them in a colander, being careful not to rinse them with cold water, so as not to remove the starch that will help them absorb the flavors of the sauce.

After draining the pasta, transfer it to a heat-resistant dish. It is important that this dish is large enough to allow for even mixing of the ingredients. Now is the time to salt them, making sure to distribute the salt evenly to enhance the flavor of the pasta. The dish should not be greased, as we want the pasta to have a pleasant texture and to stick easily to the sauce we will add.

Next, we take care of the spinach. If you are using fresh spinach, it should be washed well under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities. Frozen spinach can also be used, but in this case, make sure it is completely thawed and well-drained of excess water. Fresh spinach is cut into smaller strips, while frozen spinach is broken apart with a fork, to achieve a finer texture.

In a large skillet, add a little olive oil, and then heat it over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté for a few minutes until it reduces in volume and becomes tender. At this stage, you can also add a few minced garlic cloves to flavor the dish. The garlic will fry quickly, so be careful not to burn it.

Once the spinach is ready, add the cooked pasta to the heat-resistant dish, mixing well to combine the flavors. It is also time to add cheese, such as mozzarella or grated parmesan. This will melt and incorporate perfectly into the mixture, providing a special creaminess to the dish.

After everything is well mixed, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius, allowing it to bake for about 20-25 minutes. This time will allow the cheese to melt completely and form a golden crust on the surface.

When ready, remove the dish from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish can be garnished with freshly chopped parsley or chili flakes to add a touch of freshness and a slight spiciness. Enjoy this delicacy warm, alongside a glass of white wine, for a perfect culinary experience!

 Ingredients: 200-250g tagliatelle or other pasta, 250g spinach, 10-12 tomatoes, telemea cheese