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Delicious Spinach Lemon Pasta

Spinach Lemon Pasta

This Spinach Lemon Pasta is creamy without being heavy, tangy without overpowering, and utterly delicious. Designed for ease and speed, it’s a vibrant dish perfect for busy weeknights or a light, elegant dinner with guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz Pasta (linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 45 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1/41/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • 5 oz Fresh Baby Spinach, washed and dried
  • 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water
  • 1 large Lemon (zest and 1/4 cup juice)
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus more for serving)
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1-2 tbsp Butter
  • Optional: 1/4 cup Heavy Cream or Cream Cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add spinach and sauté for 2-4 minutes until wilted.
  4. Reduce heat to low and add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, stirring to deglaze the skillet.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. If using, add butter or cream/cream cheese and stir until smooth.
  6. Add drained pasta and toss to coat. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
  7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and lemon zest or parsley if desired.

Notes

Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for added protein. Pair with a light salad or crusty bread. This dish also works well with kale, arugula, or Swiss chard as substitutes for spinach.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach lemon pasta, easy lemon pasta, creamy spinach pasta, quick weeknight pasta