Years ago, one of my favorite meals was Pasta Milano at Mick's Restaurant. It was a bow tie pasta with spinach and tomatoes, topped with toasted slivered almonds.
Here's my version:
And here are the components:
(I forgot to get the slivered almonds in the picture. Oops!)
First, put the water on for the pasta. I have a ridiculous stove that takes forever to get water to a boil, so that's always what I try to do first.
Then I got out my trusty non-stick pan, put it over medium heat, and added a little butter and about half of the baby portabella (crimini) mushrooms. I LOVE mushrooms. These were not in the pasta at Mick's but I wanted mushrooms today so I added them. That's what I like about making own food!
Once they are done...
...add salt and turn them off. If you, unlike me, have a stove that allows you to add your pasta to the water by now, you won't have to turn your mushrooms off and wait for water to boil. <<sigh>> Oh well, I took the time to seed and chop the tomatoes. I used two of those little Campari tomatoes. So good!
But don't add them yet!
Add some slivered almonds to a dry pan. Toast over low heat. (I keep my almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, etc. in the freezer so they keep longer.) Keep an eye on them because they burn quickly! I did not take a picture of the first batch since I burned them.... Don't add them yet!
Also, I grated some Parmesan cheese. But don't add it yet either!
Once the pasta is in the water, add the spinach to the pan. I just covered the pan with a nice layer. Remember it really shrinks! I could have added even more and been happy.
Sprinkle with a little salt and turn the heat to low. Saute the spinach just until it wilts. I take care to keep it separated since it tends to all clump into one big bunch if I don't.
Once the pasta is done, add a little pasta water to the pan (maybe 2 - 3 tablespoons), add the pasta, a little more butter, and about 1/4 cup of Parmesan. Toss it all together. Turn off the heat and add the tomatoes; toss to distribute.
Plate the pasta and top with the almonds and a little more Parmesan.
Ta Da! A dee-licious quick supper. (I MAY have added a little more Parmesan after I took the picture....)
I'm sorry I can't eat at Mick's anymore, but at least I can have my pasta!
