Quick Spinach Pasta
This Quick Spinach Pasta dish is a vibrant and nutritious meal that can be prepared in under 20 minutes. With fresh spinach blended in a light olive oil sauce, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 strainer
- 1 large skillet
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cups
- 1 measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- lemon wedges (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. If using, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Once the spinach is wilted, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss well to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce, if needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
Feel free to add cherry tomatoes or cooked chicken for extra flavor and protein.
This dish can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.