The flavors of Italy are best expressed in simplicity: a dash of spices, a little oil and dinner's on the table in minutes—especially if you use frozen spinach and frozen ravioli or tortellini.

Makes 4 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each

ACTIVE TIME: 20 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1 20-ounce package frozen cheese ravioli or tortellini (4 cups)
6 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8-1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 16-ounce bag frozen chopped or whole-leaf spinach
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; cook ravioli (or tortellini) according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add salt, crushed red pepper to taste, spinach and water. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach has thawed, wilted and heated through, 5 to 7 minutes. Divide among 4 bowls, top with the pasta and drizzle 1 teaspoon of the remaining oil over each portion. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 277 calories; 13 g fat (4 g sat, 7 g mono); 25 mg cholesterol; 28 g carbohydrate; 14 g protein; 6 g fiber; 654 mg sodium; 706 mg potassium.


Nutrition bonus: Vitamin A (270% daily value), Vitamin C (50% dv), Folate (44% dv), Calcium (35% dv), Potassium (20% dv).


2 Carbohydrate Servings

This recipe was a huge surprise. I used whole-wheat ravioli and at first I thought pasta without sauce would not taste good but to my surprise the flavors of the spinach, oil, and red pepper are wonderful.

, woodbridge, VA