Spinach Lemon Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Spinach Lemon Pasta is a bright and refreshing dish that comes together quickly for a perfect weeknight dinner. The zing of fresh lemon combined with tender spinach and creamy parmesan makes it both simple and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic – grated or finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon – zested and then juiced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup parmesan cheese – freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon salt – plus more for salting pasta water
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, typically 9 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Do not rinse the pasta.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring and cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Step 3: Pour in the lemon juice and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. When the mixture begins to bubble, add the baby spinach and cooked spaghetti. Toss together until the spinach wilts and the sauce coats the noodles. If the sauce seems dry, add an additional ¼ cup of pasta water.
- Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss a few times to combine before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp before serving.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to make this dish gluten-free.
- Swap baby spinach with kale or arugula for a different leafy green flavor.
- Grate the garlic finely to ensure it blends smoothly into the sauce without overpowering.
- Add a little extra lemon zest on top as a fresh garnish for brightness.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this pasta in advance?
You can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to combine and toss them just before serving to preserve freshness and texture.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Replace the butter with olive oil and use a plant-based parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor without dairy.
PrintSpinach Lemon Pasta Recipe
This Spinach Lemon Pasta is a bright and flavorful dish combining tender spaghetti with a buttery lemon-garlic sauce, fresh baby spinach, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for a light lunch or dinner, offering a delicate balance of zesty citrus and savory richness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Paste
- 8 ounces spaghetti
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic – grated or finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon – zested and juiced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese – freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon salt – plus more for salting pasta water
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables
- 2 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, typically 9 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Do not rinse the pasta after draining.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring and cooking for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
- Add Liquids and Spinach: Pour in the lemon juice along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Once the mixture begins to bubble, add the baby spinach and cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the sauce evenly coats the noodles. If the sauce seems dry, gradually add up to ¼ cup more pasta water to loosen it.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the lemon zest, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently a few more times to combine all flavors before serving immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
- Reserve pasta water to help create a smooth sauce that clings to the noodles.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
Keywords: Spinach Lemon Pasta, lemon pasta, garlic pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta
