Description
Quick Spinach Pasta is a vibrant and easy-to-make dish featuring al dente pasta tossed with sautéed fresh spinach, garlic, and a hint of lemon, finished with grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that combines fresh, simple ingredients for a light yet flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (e.g., spaghetti or penne)
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lemon, juiced
Oils and Dairy
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Cook Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the frying pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until wilted, stirring regularly to combine it evenly with the garlic oil.
- Combine Pasta and Spinach: Add the drained pasta to the frying pan with the spinach. Pour in the reserved pasta water and lemon juice. Toss everything together thoroughly until well combined and heated through.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of pasta cooking water or a little butter while tossing the pasta and spinach together.
- Red pepper flakes are optional; omit or adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor balance between acidity and brightness.
- To make the dish vegan, substitute Parmesan with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast.
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps to create a silky sauce by binding the oil and cheese to the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Spinach Pasta, Quick Pasta Recipe, Garlic Pasta, Lemon Pasta, Vegetarian Pasta, Easy Dinner, Italian Pasta
