Name: Pasta with Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 5–6 cups fresh spinach; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved); zest of 1 lemon (optional)

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If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that feels both wholesome and gorgeously simple, look no further than Pasta with Spinach. This vibrant Italian-inspired dish brings together tender pasta and heaps of gently wilted spinach, all tossed in garlicky olive oil and finished with a snowcap of Parmesan. With its comforting flavors, quick prep, and beautiful color, it’s exactly the kind of meal you’ll reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pasta with Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts of Pasta with Spinach is how few ingredients you need — each one playing a vital role in creating a meal that’s bright, savory, and deeply satisfying. It’s a perfect example of how simplicity can translate to stunning flavor.

8 ounces pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice): Any shape works, but tubular pasta or long strands soak up the sauce especially well.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a lush, fruity base and helps carry all the flavors throughout the dish.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives an aromatic, slightly spicy punch that permeates the spinach and pasta beautifully.
5–6 cups fresh spinach: The real star here, spinach adds nutrition, color, and the delicate green flavor that makes this dish sing.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides warmth and complexity, balancing the spinach perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little heat, this wakes up the entire dish.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, creamy finish and helps create a silky sauce when tossed with the hot pasta.
1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved): Don’t skip this step — it binds everything together into a cohesive, glossy dish.
Zest of 1 lemon (optional): Lemon zest brings a burst of brightness that lifts every bite.

How to Make Pasta with Spinach

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. The salted water is key — it flavors the noodles from the inside out. A minute before the pasta is done, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the starchy cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it; those little bits of clingy starch are exactly what you want for a glossy, flavorful sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta is bubbling away, grab a large skillet and warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, stirring, until it turns lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown too much, since burnt garlic can overpower everything — we’re after a gentle softening that infuses the oil with flavor.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Next, toss in all the fresh spinach. At first, it’ll seem like your skillet is bursting at the seams, but don’t worry — in just a few minutes, the spinach will wilt down into a soft, vibrant green tangle. Stir frequently for even cooking, and season with the salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Spinach

Add your drained pasta straight into the skillet of garlicky spinach. Pour in the reserved pasta water and give it a thorough toss, letting the liquid marry the pasta and greens together. This is where the dish transforms into Pasta with Spinach magic: The heat encourages the flavors to mingle and the sauce to gently cling.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Zest

Turn off the heat and immediately stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest (if you’re using it). The cheese will melt into the sauce, making everything creamy and lush. Taste, add a little more salt or pepper if needed, and serve immediately, topped with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Now, all that’s left to do is enjoy every last forkful!

How to Serve Pasta with Spinach

Garnishes

Take your Pasta with Spinach to the next level by showering each plate with more freshly grated Parmesan and an extra twist of black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few ribbons of lemon zest add finishing touches that brighten the dish and make it feel restaurant-worthy. If you like a bit more color, a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley makes a beautiful, aromatic garnish.

Side Dishes

For a cozy Italian-inspired meal, serve Pasta with Spinach alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette. A basket of warm, crusty bread is perfect for swiping up every last trace of sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or cherry tomatoes add even more color to your table and pair wonderfully with this dish’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling creative, try portioning Pasta with Spinach into small bowls or ramekins for an elegant starter at your next dinner party. For a family-style feast, mound it onto a big platter and let everyone serve themselves, garnishing liberally as you go. Add strips of grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for an extra splash of color and texture if you want to make it extra hearty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftover Pasta with Spinach tasting its best, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It’ll stay delicious and safe to eat for up to three days. The flavors tend to meld even more as it sits, making for a terrific next-day lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

While Pasta with Spinach can technically be frozen, it’s not my top recommendation — spinach has a high water content, and freezing can make it a bit soggy after thawing. If you do need to freeze, wrap portions tightly and plan to enjoy within a month for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over your Pasta with Spinach and warm it gently in a skillet over low to medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking and revive the creamy sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach in this recipe?

Yes, you can make Pasta with Spinach using frozen spinach in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess liquid before adding to the pan, otherwise your sauce can get watery. Fresh spinach will give you the brightest flavor and color, but frozen works for busy nights.

What kind of pasta works best for Pasta with Spinach?

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility — spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, or even short pasta like fusilli all work well. Choose your favorite, or use whatever you have on hand. Nooks and crannies in short pasta help catch all the cheesy spinach goodness!

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Pasta with Spinach is delicious with cooked, shredded chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans stirred in near the end. These additions make the dish extra satisfying, especially if you’re serving hungry eaters at your table.

Is there a non-dairy alternative for Parmesan?

For a dairy-free or vegan version, try substituting nutritional yeast or your favorite plant-based Parmesan-style cheese. Both give a savory, cheesy finish without the dairy. Just stir in a bit at a time and adjust to taste.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Don’t forget to generously salt your pasta water, and give the noodles a good stir right after they go in the pot. Adding the pasta straight from the pot to the skillet, along with some reserved cooking water, helps prevent sticking while creating a creamy sauce for Pasta with Spinach.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about a big, steaming bowl of Pasta with Spinach. With its easy prep, vibrant flavors, and adaptable nature, it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit often. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it a favorite in your own kitchen — it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile.

Pasta with Spinach Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and simple recipe for Pasta with Spinach that is quick to make and bursting with flavor. This vegetarian dish combines pasta with garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 ounces pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)

Other Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
5–6 cups fresh spinach
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
zest of 1 lemon (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Prepare the Spinach: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the reserved pasta water and toss to coat. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if desired. Serve warm, topped with extra cheese.