Spaghetti aglio e olio with spinach pasta
Spaghetti aglio e olio with spinach pasta is a classic Roman pasta dish featuring spaghetti made with spinach for a vibrant green color, tossed in a simple sauce of garlic, olive oil, and often a hint of red pepper flakes. The dish highlights the beauty of minimal, high-quality ingredients, with the spinach pasta adding a subtle earthy flavor and visual appeal. It's a staple of Italian cucina povera, or 'poor cooking,' which emphasizes simplicity and resourcefulness.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is primarily high in carbohydrates from the pasta, with healthy fats from the olive oil and a moderate amount of protein from the wheat and spinach. It provides key nutrients like iron and vitamins A and C from the spinach, along with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. A typical serving contains roughly 400-500 calories, depending on portion size and oil quantity.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 60 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Magnesium | 60 mg |
| Phosphorus | 150 mg |
| Vitamin A | 250 µg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin K | 120 µg |
| Folate | 80 µg |
Per 1 typical serving (250 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, aglio e olio represents the essence of Italian cooking—transforming humble pantry staples into something deeply satisfying. Nutritionally, the spinach pasta boosts the dish's micronutrient profile without altering its traditional, comforting character.
