If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, this pasta with spinach is totally the answer! With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a delightful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend lunch. The best part? It takes only about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it the ultimate go-to recipe when you need something satisfying in a flash. Picture tender pasta enveloped in a light garlic-infused olive oil sauce, mingling beautifully with fresh, vibrant spinach. Trust me, it’s a dish that will leave you feeling nourished and happy without spending hours in the kitchen. So, let’s dive right into this fabulous recipe!
Ingredients List
- 200g pasta (your choice: spaghetti, penne, or fusilli works great!)
- 150g fresh spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin is my favorite)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy; it brings out the flavors!)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is the best!)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, but highly recommended for that extra flavor)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but keep an eye on it!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want to get it nice and hot but not smoking—just the right amount of sizzle.
- Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it gets fragrant. Wow, the smell is amazing already!
- Now, it’s time for the star of the show—add the fresh spinach to the pan and stir it around until it wilts down, which should only take about 2-3 minutes.
- Once your pasta is done, drain it well (but don’t rinse!) and add it directly to the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Give everything a good toss to combine!
- Season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. And there you have it—a delicious, quick pasta with spinach ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to whip up, taking just about 20 minutes from start to finish!
- Using fresh spinach adds a burst of color and nutrients, making it a healthy choice.
- The garlic-infused olive oil elevates the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
- You only need a handful of ingredients, so it’s budget-friendly and easy to keep stocked in your pantry.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile—perfect for a light lunch or a hearty dinner.
- It’s vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for meatless meals.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as good the next day, so it’s a great meal prep option.
Tips for Success
To make this pasta with spinach truly shine, here are a few of my best tips! First, always taste your pasta a minute or two before the package says it’s done. You want it to be al dente—firm but not crunchy! Also, don’t skip the salt in the boiling water; it really boosts the pasta’s flavor.
If you want to mix things up, feel free to add other veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers; they’ll add a lovely sweetness. And for a protein boost, toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas! Lastly, if you’re out of Parmesan, crumbled feta or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast works wonders too. Just keep it simple and have fun with it!
Variations
One of the best things about this pasta with spinach is how easily you can customize it! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the spinach for other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard—both work beautifully and add their own unique flavors. You can also toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for an extra burst of color and sweetness.
Feeling spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic for a little kick! If you want to switch up the pasta, whole wheat or gluten-free varieties can be great alternatives. And don’t be afraid to get creative with herbs; a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end can really brighten the dish. The possibilities are endless, so let your taste buds guide you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is totally a win!), storing this pasta with spinach is super easy. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes. You might want to add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to help it loosen up and keep it from drying out.
Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, covering it with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s warmed through. Just remember, this dish is best enjoyed fresh, but a quick reheating can still bring back that comforting flavor!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick heads-up: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and their brands, so take these numbers as a general guide rather than precise measurements. Here’s what you can expect for each serving of this delicious pasta with spinach:
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keep in mind, if you swap in different pasta types or add more ingredients, the nutrition will change accordingly. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pan, so you don’t end up with excess water.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
I love using spaghetti or penne, but really, any pasta you have on hand will do! Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly based on the shape.
Can I make this pasta dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can definitely prep the ingredients ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauté the spinach separately, then combine them when you’re ready to eat. Just reheat gently!
How can I make this dish more filling?
If you want to turn this into a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for protein. They blend beautifully with the flavors!
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
No problem at all! You can skip the cheese or substitute it with crumbled feta or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta with spinach is wonderfully versatile, and there are so many great options to serve alongside it! For a complete meal, I love pairing it with a crisp, refreshing salad—think mixed greens tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette. The brightness of the dressing complements the garlic and spinach perfectly!
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, consider adding some crusty garlic bread or a warm, cheesy focaccia on the side. It’s perfect for soaking up any of that delicious olive oil sauce left on your plate!
Another delightful option is to serve this pasta with a side of roasted vegetables—seasonal favorites like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus will add a lovely touch of color and flavor. Trust me, these combinations will elevate your meal and leave everyone at the table wanting more!
For more information on the health benefits of spinach, you can visit Healthline.
If you’re interested in exploring more pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Garlic Butter Pasta.
Print
Pasta with Spinach Easy Quick for a Satisfying Meal
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Quick and easy pasta with spinach.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 150g fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the pan.
- Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- This dish is best served fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: pasta with spinach easy quick
