Quick Pasta Pick Me Up
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with "Quick Pasta Pick Me Up," a vibrant and satisfying dish that comes together in just 25 minutes! Featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a light and zesty garlic and olive oil sauce, this recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients like juicy cherry tomatoes, nutrient-rich baby spinach, and a hint of red chili flakes for subtle heat. A finishing touch of freshly grated Parmesan, fragrant lemon zest, and optional basil garnish makes every bite a refreshing burst of flavor. Perfect for busy days or when you crave a comforting yet light pasta dish, this quick and easy recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Ideal for two servings, it’s the ultimate combination of simplicity and taste.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 200 grams spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 200 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
- 100 grams baby spinach leaves
- 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 whole lemon, zest and juice
- 5 leaves fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Add the cherry tomatoes and chili flakes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Season the pasta with salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Toss to combine.
Divide the pasta between serving plates and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Quick Pasta Pick Me Up!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
440 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 22.7 g | 29% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.2 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 25 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 1446 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 45.1 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.6 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.3 g | ||
| Protein | 19.4 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 370 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 3.3 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 843 mg | 18% | |
*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.
