Use fresh spinach for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to create a light, glossy sauce. Customize with proteins or extra vegetables to make it a complete meal.
A fast, flavorful pasta dish with fresh spinach, garlic, and a light, glossy sauce—perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz pasta of choice (225 g)
4 cups fresh spinach (120 g)
2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
3 cloves garlic, minced (15 g)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, 0.5 g)
1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5 g)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
Optional:
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 g)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (75 g)
1/2 cup cooked chicken or shrimp (150 g)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (5 ml)
Instructions
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Cook pasta in salted boiling water; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
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Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil 30 seconds.
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Add spinach and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted.
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Toss pasta with spinach and reserved water, adjusting for sauce consistency.
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Add optional ingredients: Parmesan, tomatoes, protein, and lemon juice.
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Serve immediately.