Description
“Make this easy and delicious pasta with spinach in just 25 minutes! A simple, healthy weeknight meal with garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of lemon. Perfect for vegetarians and customizable with your favorite add-ins!”
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Step 3: Combine with Pasta
- Add drained pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet.
- Toss well to coat pasta in the garlic-spinach mixture.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Squeeze in lemon juice (if using) for brightness.
- Toss everything one last time and serve immediately.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Variations:
- Add Protein: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or ricotta cheese.
- Go Vegan: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and swap olive oil for vegan butter.
- Spice It Up: Add sun-dried tomatoes or extra red pepper flakes.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as spinach releases water when thawed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Vegetarian
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: italian inspired
Keywords: Pasta with spinach, easy pasta recipe, quick weeknight meal, healthy spinach pasta, vegetarian pasta