Description
A quick, comforting pasta recipe that features sautéed garlic and baby spinach tossed with spaghetti in olive oil. Perfect for a healthy, satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 5–6 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until just wilted, 1–2 minutes.
- Add cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to coat.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Top with Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or shrimp for protein.
- Try kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for variety.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 5mg