Quick Spinach Pasta
This Quick Spinach Pasta is a simple and delicious dish perfect for a busy weeknight. It features fresh spinach and pasta tossed in a light garlic and olive oil sauce, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Colander
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or your choice of pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- as needed Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it wilts down.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot with the spinach and garlic mixture. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon wedges on the side for an extra zest.
Notes
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or zucchini.
You can substitute other types of pasta, such as whole wheat or gluten-free, according to your preference.
This dish can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.