Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach Recipe

Introduction

Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients like fresh spinach and garlic, this recipe combines bright, savory notes for a satisfying meal. It’s easy to prepare and adaptable to your preferences.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 6 cups fresh spinach
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Step 3: Add the spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until wilted. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture and help coat the noodles. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything well to combine.
5. Step 5: Plate immediately. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.

Tips & Variations

• Frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh, but make sure to thaw and drain it well.
• For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative.
• This dish can be made gluten-free by swapping in gluten-free pasta.
• To make the pasta creamier, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative.
• Add extra herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme for more flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers 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 olive oil if the pasta seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative to keep the flavor rich and satisfying.

Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 75 reviews

This simple and flavorful Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach recipe combines al dente pasta with sautéed garlic and fresh spinach, finished with a touch of red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and healthy meal perfect for any weeknight dinner, offering a delightful balance of garlicky warmth and fresh greens.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 ounces spaghetti

Sauce & Vegetables

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 6 cups fresh spinach
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, making sure not to burn the garlic.
3. Wilt Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fully wilted. Add red pepper flakes if using for a spicy kick.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the garlic and spinach. Splash in reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help coat the noodles evenly. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
5. Serve: Transfer the pasta to plates immediately. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve warm.

Notes

• Frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh; be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly.
• For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese substitute.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta varieties.
• Add creaminess by stirring in a splash of heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative if desired.
• Enhance flavor by adding fresh or dried herbs such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: spaghetti recipe, garlic spinach pasta, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta, quick pasta recipe, Italian pasta