Garlic and spinach are some of my favorite ingredients to work with, and who doesn’t love a good pasta recipe?

It’s comfort food, but this recipe is also good for you!

Most recipes that you can find online, if they include garlic, keep the amount to just 3-4 cloves. I thought for most of my life that that was all you should include, otherwise maybe it’d be overwhelming. But lately, I’ve shed my shyness with garlic, and now, no matter what the recipe calls for, I usually double it. Or just put half of a bulb of garlic in there. Surprisingly, the taste is still great! And I found an interesting and awesome side effect too—my gut health improved dramatically!

I’ve struggled with some form of IBD for years and years, and over time I’ve figured out a number of things that helped, going gluten free being the biggest. But I still have some digestive issues, even without gluten. Since taking the plunge with garlic (thanks to my boyfriend constantly demanding that I add more, because he loves it), I’ve noticed my digestive issues have almost completely disappeared.

I don’t have any medical knowledge to explain why, really. And I can’t guarantee that it will cure anything that ails you in the same way, but I think it’s worth a try. And here’s a recipe for you to try it out with! There are just a few ingredients, all of them nutritious. And it’s not too hard to make, either!

To make a meal for 2-3 people, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 package gluten free brown rice pasta (my favorite brand is Tinkiyada)
• 8 oz fresh baby spinach
• 8 leaves of fresh basil
• 1/2 bulb of garlic, minced finely
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

To start, cook the pasta according to package instructions. While it cooks, place the oil in a pan and fry the garlic until it is wonderfully fragrant. Rip up the basil and the spinach and wilt in the pan just until they are dark green, but be careful not to overcook. Add the pinch of oregano, and salt and pepper. Stir it all together with your freshly cooked pasta.

Wow, look at that, you’re already done! This dish is delicious and healthy. If you feel like it, sprinkle a little parmesan on top, or leave it out if you have troubles with dairy. I promise it’s just as tasty without.

Enjoy!

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Editor: Emily Bartran

Photo: Flickr