This spinach pasta recipe is a perfect blend of fresh flavors with a zing of lemon. It’s creamy, bright, and packed with nutrients. If you’re looking for a healthy pasta recipe with spinach that also satisfies your taste buds, this lemon spinach pasta is your go-to. The combination of lemon, garlic, and spinach gives it a light yet comforting taste, making it an ideal dish for any season.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Pasta: Use any pasta of your choice. I recommend penne or spaghetti, but whole-wheat or gluten-free options work well too.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is best for this recipe, but you can use frozen spinach if that’s what you have. Just thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice adds a tangy brightness to the dish. You can substitute lime if you don’t have lemon.
- Garlic: Minced garlic adds depth of flavor. Feel free to adjust the quantity to your liking.
- Cream or Butter: For a creamy texture, heavy cream works best, but a mix of butter and milk can substitute for a lighter version.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Step 1:
- Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Step 2:
- In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Add fresh spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, around 3-4 minutes. Stir continuously to evenly cook the spinach.
- Step 4:
- Pour in lemon juice and zest into the spinach. Stir in your reserved pasta water to create a light sauce, and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 5:
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing well to combine with the spinach-lemon sauce. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Step 6:
- (Optional) Stir in a splash of heavy cream or butter for extra creaminess. Mix until the pasta is well coated.
Pro Tips
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve pasta water! It helps create a silky sauce.
- Zest Up: Adding lemon zest really intensifies the citrus flavor in this dish.
Easy Spinach Pasta Recipe | Creamy Lemon Spinach Pasta
Description
This creamy lemon spinach pasta recipe is a fresh, zesty dish combining tender pasta and vibrant spinach. It's the perfect weeknight dinner for pasta lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
- Protein 12g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.