Lady Gaga Pasta
Lady Gaga pasta is a bold, spontaneous dish that combines al dente pasta with fragrant garlic, smoky sun-dried tomatoes, wilted spinach, and sharp Parmesan cheese. The dish is finished with bright lemon zest and chili flakes, resulting in a flavorful, slightly rebellious pasta with a glossy, inviting appearance. It’s perfect for improvising with fridge staples and delivering a comforting yet punchy meal.
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Calories: 520kcal
Servings: 4
Equipment
- Skillet or large frying pan
- Colander
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Grater or microplane
Ingredients
- 400 g pasta (fusilli or rigatoni) preferably al dente
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups spinach roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated fresh
- 1 lemon lemon zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste salt
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your pasta, cooking until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic and chili flakes to the skillet. Cook for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden, filling your kitchen with a savory aroma.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing them to plump up slightly and release their smoky fragrance.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring until wilted and vibrant green, creating a fresh contrast in texture.
- Transfer the drained pasta into the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the flavorful sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the mixture looks dry, helping the sauce stick nicely to the noodles.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pasta, then add the lemon zest and squeeze in the lemon juice. Toss everything together until the cheese melts and the flavors meld, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or chili flakes as needed. The pasta should be tender, coated in a fragrant, slightly spicy, and tangy sauce, ready to serve.
- Serve the Lady Gaga pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or lemon zest if desired. Enjoy the bold, spontaneous flavors with a side of your favorite bread or salad.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 600mg | Potassium: 800mg | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 250mg | Iron: 3mg