Spicy Spinach Pasta With Garlic And Basil

By nealc1

Ingredients

• 12 ounces spinach linguine
• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup chopped fresh basil, divided
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or water from cooking the pasta
• 1 1/2 cups grated Pecorino Romano cheese, divided
• preparation

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

Cook linguine in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid. Return pasta to same pot.

While the pasta is cooking or after it has been cooked and drained, heat olive oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup basil, garlic, and crushed red pepper; stir 1 minute. Add wine (or pasta cooking water) and boil until slightly reduced, about 3 minutes. Add mixture from skillet, remaining 1/2 cup basil, and 3/4 cup cheese to pasta. Toss over medium heat until sauce coats pasta, adding reserved pasta liquid by 1/4 cupfuls if the pasta seems dry. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to bowl. Sprinkle with remaining 3/4 cup cheese.