Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
