Looking for a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights? Well, you’re in the right place! Today, I’m sharing a recipe for Spinach Lemon Pasta that’s ready in just 20 minutes. This dish is all about fresh, vibrant flavors and a light, creamy sauce that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients from the spinach and a bright, zesty lemon zing that will make your taste buds smile. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in just 20 minutes
- Packed with fresh, healthy ingredients
- Light and flavorful, perfect for spring or summer
- Customizable to suit your taste preferences
- Great for weeknight dinner ideas or a special occasion
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Spinach Lemon Pasta:
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (grated or finely minced)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon (zested and then juiced)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for salting pasta water)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making this Spinach Lemon Pasta. It’s simple, but each step is important to get that perfect balance of flavors!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, which is typically 9 to 10 minutes. Before draining, make sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Don’t rinse the spaghetti – you want that starch to help the sauce cling to the noodles!
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – we want that golden, buttery flavor!
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the lemon juice and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Let it bubble slightly, then add the baby spinach and cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the sauce coats the noodles. If the sauce seems too dry, you can add another ¼ cup of pasta water. This is where the magic happens – the pasta soaks up all those delicious flavors!
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Flavors
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss a few times to combine. The lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy note, while the parmesan cheese gives it that creamy, savory touch. It’s the perfect balance of flavors!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to ensure your Spinach Lemon Pasta turns out perfectly every time:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and real lemon zest make a big difference in the flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente is best for this recipe so the pasta holds up to the sauce.
- Add the pasta water gradually: This helps create a creamy sauce without making it too watery.
- Customize to your taste: Add some grilled chicken for protein or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
How to Serve
This Spinach Lemon Pasta is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a few extras to make it a complete meal. Here are some ideas:
- A side salad with a light vinaigrette
- Garlic bread for scooping up the sauce
- A protein like grilled chicken or shrimp
- A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top
Make Ahead and Storage
This recipe is best made fresh, but you can prepare a few components ahead of time. For example, you can zest the lemon and grate the parmesan cheese up to a day in advance. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water to restore the sauce.
And there you have it – a quick, flavorful, and healthy pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for easy pasta recipes, 30-minute meals, or quick family dinners, this Spinach Lemon Pasta is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Don’t forget to check out some of my other favorite recipes like How to Make the Best Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe and How to Make Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice in 30 Minutes for more creamy garlic pasta and weeknight dinner ideas!
Spinach Lemon Pasta
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic grated or finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon zested and then juiced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon salt plus more for salting pasta water
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions (typically 9 to 10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti, do not rinse.
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stir and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds to 1 minute).
- Add the lemon juice and ½ cup of pasta water. Once it begins to bubble, add the spinach and pasta. Toss together until spinach wilts and the sauce coats the noodles. NOTE: If the pasta sauce seems dry, add a ¼ cup of pasta water.
- Remove skillet from heat, add lemon zest, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss a few times before serving.