If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s both effortless and absolutely bursting with flavor, look no further than Pasta with Spinach. This dish is the perfect showcase for fresh greens, glossy noodles, and a zippy lemon-parmesan sauce, all coming together in about 25 minutes. It’s comfort food that feels a little bit special, but is easy enough to whip up even on your busiest days. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy bowl of goodness, Pasta with Spinach will quickly earn a place in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pasta with Spinach is how such simple, pantry-friendly ingredients can create layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays an important role, from the fragrant garlic to the bright pop of lemon. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape; penne gives wonderful bite, while fettuccine soaks up the luscious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This is the foundation for a rich, silky sauce and gently sautés the garlic.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth and irresistible flavor to every bite.
- 5–6 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped): The star ingredient that brings color, nutrition, and a tender texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures the spinach and pasta sing.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Brings a subtle warmth that balances the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat that livens up the sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta, creating a creamy, savory finish.
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water: This starchy water helps bind the sauce and gives it a silky texture.
- Zest and juice of ½ lemon: Lends a bright, fresh zing that lifts all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds luscious richness and helps create a glossy sauce.
How to Make Pasta with Spinach
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Right before draining, scoop out about ¼ cup of the pasta water and reserve it—you’ll use this liquid gold to help create a dreamy sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant and golden. This is your chance to infuse the oil with maximum flavor, so don’t let it brown.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Add the chopped spinach straight into the skillet with the garlicky oil. It will look like a mountain at first, but as you stir, it quickly cooks down to a soft, vibrant green. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat) and let everything mingle for 2–3 minutes until the spinach is fully wilted.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, along with the butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and your reserved pasta water. Toss everything together so the noodles are coated with the glossy, garlicky spinach sauce. The butter melts, the lemon brightens, and that splash of pasta water pulls it all together into a silky coating.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Serve
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and toss again until the cheese melts into the sauce, making it creamy and deeply savory. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your Pasta with Spinach immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if you’re a cheese lover like me!
How to Serve Pasta with Spinach
Garnishes
A finishing touch can take Pasta with Spinach from simple to sensational. Sprinkle extra Parmesan over the top, add a little more lemon zest for a fragrant pop, or scatter a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch. Freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil also add a lovely flourish.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines as a main course, but pairing it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables makes for a complete Italian-inspired meal. If you want to add protein, serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even white beans tossed in olive oil and herbs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special meal, try twirling the Pasta with Spinach into nests on each plate. Serve in shallow bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side. You can also spoon it into a big serving dish and let everyone help themselves family-style—nothing says comfort like passing around a bowl of this gorgeous green pasta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Pasta with Spinach, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making for delicious lunches or quick dinners the next day.
Freezing
While fresh spinach pasta is best enjoyed right away, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to a month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to the pasta and warm gently in a skillet over low heat. This helps restore the creamy texture and prevents the noodles from drying out. The microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the skillet. The texture will be a bit softer, but the flavor of Pasta with Spinach will still be fantastic.
What’s the best type Main Course
Penner or fettuccine are wonderful, but truly, any shape you love will work. Short shapes like rigatoni hold onto the sauce, while long noodles feel extra luxurious.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t lose any flavor or texture.
How can I add protein to this recipe?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a can of drained white beans are all delicious additions to Pasta with Spinach. Just stir them in with the pasta at the end to warm through.
Can I substitute other greens for spinach?
Yes! Baby kale or arugula are fantastic swaps. They’ll wilt down just as nicely, but bring their own unique flavors to the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a bowl of Pasta with Spinach—simple ingredients, bold flavor, and that creamy, lemony finish. If you’re craving a meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying, I can’t recommend this one enough. Give it a try and let it become a new staple in your kitchen!
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Pasta with Spinach Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and delicious Pasta with Spinach recipe combines tender pasta with fresh, wilted spinach, garlic, and a creamy parmesan sauce flavored with lemon zest and juice. Perfect for a quick vegetarian Italian meal that’s both flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5–6 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Zest and juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and reserved pasta water. Toss everything to combine and coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy texture. Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans.
- Swap fresh spinach with baby kale or arugula for a different flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
