Garlic Butter Spinach and Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Butter Spinach and Pasta recipe is a simple yet indulgent dish that’s loaded with savory garlic, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta all coated in a velvety, buttery sauce. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that takes only about 20 minutes to make, but the flavors are rich and satisfying. Ideal as a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch, this pasta dish can also be adapted with added proteins like chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Gather Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are prepped and ready, especially the garlic and spinach, as the dish comes together quickly.
- Grate Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for a smooth and creamy finish.
Cooking the Pasta and Spinach
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water to help create the sauce.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
- Prepare Spinach: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
- Add Spinach: Add spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just wilted. Remove spinach from the pan and set aside.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
Step 4: Start the Garlic Butter
- Add Butter and Olive Oil: In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of butter along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. The olive oil prevents the butter from browning too quickly.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step 5: Add Pasta Water and Seasonings
- Add Reserved Pasta Water: Pour in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and stir. This helps create a smooth, emulsified sauce.
- Season: Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Stir until combined.
Combining and Serving
Step 6: Add Pasta and Spinach to Sauce
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Add Spinach: Gently fold in the wilted spinach until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Add Parmesan and Lemon Zest
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pasta, stirring to combine. The cheese will melt and thicken the sauce.
- Add Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest for a fresh, bright flavor that complements the garlic and spinach.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Top with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta while warm and enjoy.
Recipe Variations
- Add Protein: For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for an extra creamy sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for additional flavor and color.
- Herb Variation: Experiment with fresh basil or thyme in addition to parsley for a different flavor profile.
Tips for Success
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t become mushy when tossed in the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Pasta water is essential to creating a smooth, cohesive sauce, so don’t forget to save some.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency, allowing the sauce to cling to the pasta without being too thin.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor than garlic powder or pre-minced garlic.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Spinach and Pasta is a delightful dish that captures the simplicity and elegance of Italian-inspired flavors. With the rich aroma of garlic and butter, a hint of lemon zest, and the tender wilted spinach mixed with perfectly cooked pasta, this meal is sure to become a favorite. Whether enjoyed on its own or with added proteins, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your tastes. The next time you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal, try this Garlic Butter Spinach and Pasta recipe—it’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy!
Garlic Butter Spinach and Pasta Recipe
This Garlic Butter Spinach and Pasta recipe is a simple yet indulgent dish that's loaded with savory garlic, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta all coated in a velvety, buttery sauce. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that takes only about 20 minutes to make, but the flavors are rich and satisfying. Ideal as a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch, this pasta dish can also be adapted with added proteins like chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set aside. - Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden. - Add the Spinach:
Add the spinach to the skillet, cooking until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. - Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter spinach. Toss everything together, adding a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce lightly coats the pasta. - Finish with Cheese and Lemon Zest:
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and lemon zest (if using). Toss everything again until well combined and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed. - Serve:
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.