PASTA WITH SPINACH: EASY & QUICK
Pasta with Spinach is a simple, delicious meal made with tender noodles and fresh spinach tossed in a light garlic and olive oil sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or light lunches.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
Cook Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Sauté Spinach:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
Combine:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with spinach. Toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
Season & Serve:
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Top with Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Cook pasta and store separately from spinach until ready to serve.
- Variations: Add grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms for a heartier version.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
- Allergy-Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta or vegan cheese as needed.