Garlic and Spinach Spaghetti Recipe
A quick and flavorful spaghetti dish featuring garlicky sautéed spinach, enhanced with a touch of red pepper flakes and finished with fresh Parmesan and lemon juice. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the noodles.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, careful not to burn it.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until wilted. If desired, stir in red pepper flakes now to add some heat.
- Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help coat the spaghetti. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss everything well to combine.
- Serve: Plate the spaghetti immediately. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Notes
- Be cautious not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- Reserve pasta water is key for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the noodles.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat.
- Use fresh spinach for best texture and flavor, but baby spinach can work as well.
- Lemon juice adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the richness of the olive oil and cheese.
Keywords: spaghetti, garlic spinach pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta
Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/garlic-and-spinach-spaghetti-recipe/
