Description
A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring sautéed fresh spinach and garlic, tossed with your choice of pasta and finished with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Water
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
Sauté
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta, then set it aside.
- Sauté garlic and spices: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the spinach: Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Combine pasta and spinach mixture: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Pour in the reserved pasta water and toss everything together to combine, creating a light sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Season and serve: Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra layer of flavor.
Notes
- Use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a subtle heat that complements the garlic and spinach.
- Reserve some pasta water to help bind the sauce and add moisture.
- For a vegan option, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based substitute.
- Make sure not to overcook the spinach to retain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
