Lemon Garlic Spinach Spaghetti
A light, flavorful pasta dish made with garlic, fresh spinach, lemon, Parmesan, and olive oil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and ready in about 25 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (more if needed)
Optional Add-Ins
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp
- Mushrooms
- Cherry tomatoes
- Roasted broccoli
- Fresh basil
Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.
Step 2
Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
Step 3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 4
Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
Step 5
Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 6
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 7
Add cooked spaghetti and toss well.
Step 8
Pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time until the pasta becomes silky.
Step 9
Mix in Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Step 10
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
- Calcium: 220 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
- Vitamin A: 75% DV
- Vitamin C: 35% DV
Nut Information
Contains Nuts: ❌ No
Contains Peanuts: ❌ No
This recipe does not include tree nuts or peanuts.
Allergy Notes
- Contains milk (Parmesan cheese).
- Contains wheat/gluten (spaghetti) unless using gluten-free pasta.
- Check packaged Parmesan if you have specific allergy concerns.
- If adding pesto or toasted nuts, the recipe may contain tree nuts.
Helpful Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the spinach—it should just wilt.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest taste.
- Reserve pasta water before draining; it helps create a creamy sauce.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a higher-protein meal.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the spinach texture may change.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&S)
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the pan.
Q2: Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Replace Parmesan with a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
Q3: What protein goes best with this pasta?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas pair wonderfully.
Q4: Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes. Linguine, fettuccine, penne, or angel hair all work well.
Q5: Is this recipe spicy?
No. The red pepper flakes are optional and add only mild heat.
Q6: Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes. Cook the pasta and prepare the sauce separately, then combine before serving.
Q7: How do I make it creamier?
Add 2–3 tablespoons of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese while tossing the pasta.
Q8: Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, peas, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes are great additions.
Q9: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
Q10: What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Spinach Spaghetti?
Serve it with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a complete meal.
