Delicious Pasta with Ground Pork and Spinach

This savory pasta dish combines the earthiness of spinach with the richness of ground pork, creating a comforting meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. The blend of flavors from fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese makes this dish a family favorite. It’s a quick recipe that fits perfectly into a busy weeknight dinner plan while still being elegant enough for entertaining. The preparation is straightforward, with plenty of room for customization based on your dietary needs or personal preferences. For instance, it can be easily made gluten-free by substituting the pasta with a suitable alternative. This dish pairs well with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. The leftovers are just as delightful, ensuring no bite is wasted. If you're looking to elevate your culinary skills in the kitchen, this simple yet flavorful recipe is an excellent choice to try. Let's dive into making this great pasta delight.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

400 g ground pork
200 g spinach
200 g spaghetti or other long pasta
60 g cheese, grated
1 carrot, grated
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch fresh herbs, chopped
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Water as needed

Preparation Time

Total time: 45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Start by preparing your vegetables: chop the onion and garlic, and grate the carrot. In a large skillet, heat some oil and sauté these vegetables until they are soft and fragrant.
While the vegetables are cooking, wash the spinach thoroughly, remove the stems, and add the leaves to the skillet. Cook until the spinach wilts completely.
Allow this mixture to cool slightly before combining it with the ground pork in a large bowl. Add half of the chopped herbs, season with salt and pepper, and mix in the grated cheese thoroughly.
In a separate large pot, bring water to a boil, add salt, and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
Lightly grease a baking dish with oil or butter. Spread half of the cooked spaghetti evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Spoon the pork and spinach mixture over the pasta, spreading it evenly across the top.
Take the remaining spaghetti and lay it over the pork mixture, trimming any excess pasta that hangs over the sides of the dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and the meat mixture is fully cooked.
Once done, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes out of the oven before serving.
Plate portions onto individual dishes, garnishing with the remaining fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor.

Tips

**Cheese options**: Use parmesan for a nutty flavor or mozzarella for more creaminess.
**Herb substitutes**: Basil and oregano can be used if you don't have fresh herbs available.
**Gluten-free option**: Substitute spaghetti with gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 650 per serving
Protein: 32g
Fats: 28g
Carbohydrates: 50g

Variations

**Vegetarian version**: Replace ground pork with crumbled tofu or lentils.
**Low-fat adjustment**: Use turkey instead of pork and reduce the amount of cheese.

Serving Suggestions

**Side dish**: Serve with a mixed green salad drizzled with vinaigrette.
**Garnish**: A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds an excellent crunch.
**Pairing**: A glass of light red wine complements the dish nicely.

Best Places

Barilla Restaurant - Offers a wide variety of Italian pastas in a stylish setting. Location: 123 Main St, Rome, Italy.
Pasta House - Known for fresh homemade pasta dishes. Location: 456 Elm St, Milan, Italy.
La Dolce Vita - Combines traditional and contemporary recipes skillfully. Location: 789 Vine St, Florence, Italy.
Spaghetti Alley - Cozy restaurant with authentic pasta selections. Location: 1010 Maple St, Venice, Italy.
The Italian Corner - Friendly spot for classic Italian comfort food. Location: 1111 Oak St, Naples, Italy.
Spinaci's - Specializes in spinach-infused dishes. Location: 1313 Ash St, Bologna, Italy.
Trattoria Verdi - Rustic atmosphere with delicious pasta options. Location: 1414 Pine St, Genoa, Italy.
Mangia Bene - Offers organic and locally sourced ingredients. Location: 1515 Cedar St, Turin, Italy.
Café Italia - Charming café with delightful pasta and wine pairings. Location: 1616 Birch St, Florence, Italy.
Parmigiana - Elegant dining with a focus on parmigiana dishes. Location: 1717 Fir St, Parma, Italy.