Pasta with spinach is a simple, healthy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The tender spinach blends beautifully with al dente pasta, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. This recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients for added variety.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal effort.
- Healthy and light: Spinach adds nutrients and vibrant color to the dish.
- Customizable: Easily add protein, vegetables, or spices to suit your taste.
- Family-friendly: A simple yet satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your favorite shape)
- Fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed, and drained)
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Optional Add-ins:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Pine nuts or walnuts (for crunch)
Directions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté the garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the spinach:
- Add the spinach to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until wilted. If using frozen spinach, cook until heated through.
- Combine with pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce.
- Season and garnish:
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
- Serve immediately:
- Transfer to plates and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Preparation time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Creamy spinach pasta: Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a creamy version.
- Vegan option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese and olive oil instead of butter.
- Protein-packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu for a heartier meal.
- Mediterranean style: Include sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
- Low-carb: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as spinach may lose texture when frozen and reheated.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly before adding it to the skillet.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Long noodles like spaghetti or short shapes like penne or fusilli all work well.
3. How do I make the dish saucier?
Add more reserved pasta water, olive oil, or a splash of cream to achieve your desired consistency.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free.
5. How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over medium heat and stir constantly to avoid burning.
6. What other greens can I use?
Kale, arugula, or Swiss chard are great alternatives to spinach.
7. Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?
Yes, Pecorino Romano or grated Asiago are excellent substitutes.
8. Can I add mushrooms?
Absolutely! Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for added flavor.
9. How do I make it more filling?
Add proteins like grilled chicken, sausage, or beans for a heartier meal.
10. Can I serve this cold as a pasta salad?
Yes, this dish can be enjoyed cold. Toss with olive oil and lemon juice before serving.
Conclusion
Pasta with spinach is a quick, versatile, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to time and time again. Customize it with your favorite add-ins, and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal in no time!
Print
Pasta with Spinach
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Pasta with Spinach is a simple, wholesome, and delicious dish that’s perfect for a quick meal. It features tender pasta tossed with sautéed spinach, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan for a satisfying and nutritious dinner.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- Salt (for pasta water)
- For the Spinach Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces fresh spinach (about 5-6 cups, loosely packed)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for a creamier version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Red pepper flakes
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Spinach:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Make the Sauce (Optional):
- If making a creamy version, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach. Toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with additional Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Notes
- For added protein, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas.
- Substitute frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable; just thaw and drain it before using.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream.