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Quick Spinach Pasta

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Quick Spinach Pasta is a fast, healthy, and flavorful dish made with simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and fresh spinach. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a wholesome lunch.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2–3 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta of choice (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach (baby spinach or chopped regular spinach)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or zest (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
  5. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the spinach.
  6. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the mixture.
  7. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  8. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
  9. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use frozen spinach if needed—just thaw and squeeze out excess water first.
  • Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well in this dish.
  • Add grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or white beans for extra protein.
  • Try stirring in pesto, cream cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes for variation.
  • Best served fresh, but can be stored and reheated easily.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/quick-spinach-pasta/