Easy Spinach Pasta Recipe | Creamy Lemon Spinach Pasta

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.