Description
A quick and nutritious Pasta with Spinach recipe that combines perfectly cooked pasta with sautéed fresh spinach and garlic, enhanced by a subtle kick of red pepper flakes and finished with Parmesan cheese. Ideal for a wholesome weeknight meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 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
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Set cooked pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Cook Spinach: Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts down.
- Combine Pasta and Spinach Mixture: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Toss everything together to combine and heat through.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli.
- For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness or omit if you prefer no heat.
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps loosen the sauce and binds flavors together.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but recommended for added flavor.
