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Garlic & Spinach Spaghetti Recipe

5 from 123 reviews

A simple and flavorful Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach recipe that combines al dente pasta with sautéed garlic and fresh spinach, enhanced by a touch of red pepper flakes and finished with Parmesan cheese and lemon juice for a bright, delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces spaghetti

Sauté

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Vegetables and Seasoning

  • 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 pasta water before draining the noodles.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Wilt Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet with garlic and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often until the spinach is wilted. Optionally, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for some heat.
  4. Combine Pasta and Spinach Mixture: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic and spinach. Pour in some reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture and help coat the noodles. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss everything thoroughly to combine.
  5. Serve: Plate the pasta immediately. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice to add brightness and enhance flavors.

Notes

  • Be careful not to burn the garlic during sautéing as it can become bitter.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to help bind the sauce and pasta together smoothly.
  • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit if avoiding spice.
  • Use fresh spinach for best texture and flavor, but baby spinach can be substituted.
  • Serve immediately for best taste and texture as spinach may continue to wilt if left sitting.

Keywords: Spaghetti, Garlic, Spinach, Italian, Easy Pasta, Vegetarian, Quick Dinner