Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and wholesome Pasta with Spinach recipe—an easy yet elegant dish bursting with fresh flavors and perfect for busy schedules. Featuring tender pasta coated in fragrant garlic-infused olive oil, wilted spinach, and zesty lemon, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between light and satisfying. Parmesan cheese adds a creamy, savory finish, while crushed red pepper flakes deliver a subtle kick, making every bite irresistible. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and nutritious meal is ideal for two servings but can be scaled up for family dinners or entertaining guests. Whether you're looking for a healthy spin on comfort food or a flavorful vegetarian pasta dish, this recipe checks all the right boxes.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, finely chop the garlic cloves. Wash and drain the fresh spinach.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stir, and cook until it wilts, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach. Stir to combine.
Add the reserved pasta water gradually to the skillet as needed to keep the pasta moist. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
Grate the Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss gently to combine.
Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Calories |
825 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.7 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.3 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 1866 mg | 81% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 78.8 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.3 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 31.7 g | 63% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 639 mg | 49% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 145 mg | 3% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.