Description
A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring sautéed garlic and fresh spinach, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a touch of Parmesan cheese for a delicious, nutrient-rich meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
For Serving
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted boiling water. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water to be used later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Spices: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, to develop a flavorful base.
- Cook Spinach: Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume.
- Toss Pasta and Spinach: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach mixture. Pour in the reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce and combine all ingredients. Toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta is well coated and evenly mixed.
- Season and Serve: Season the combined pasta and spinach with salt and pepper to your taste. Serve immediately, sprinkling the optional grated Parmesan cheese over the top for a rich, savory finish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water as it helps bind the sauce and enhances flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to preferred spice level or omit for milder taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor.
- Can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the freshness of spinach.
