Lemon Spinach Pasta Recipe

Lemon Spinach Pasta is a bright, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that combines the richness of pasta with the zesty flavor of lemon and the healthy addition of spinach. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or a satisfying side dish to any main course.

The combination of lemon, garlic, and fresh spinach creates a flavor profile that’s both invigorating and comforting. With the creamy finish of Parmesan cheese and a touch of olive oil, this pasta dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

The first step is to cook the pasta until it’s perfectly al dente.

1. Bring water to a boil: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water to season the pasta.
2. Cook the pasta: Once the water is boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Spinach

While the pasta is boiling, it’s time to prepare the spinach and the garlic.

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Allow it to warm up for about 1 minute.
2. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches. Stir frequently, allowing the spinach to wilt down. It will cook quickly, typically in 2-3 minutes.
4. Season the spinach: Season the spinach with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to add a bit of heat. Stir well to incorporate the seasoning.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Spinach

Now that the spinach is cooked, it’s time to combine it with the pasta.

1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet: Once the spinach is fully wilted and seasoned, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Use tongs or a spoon to toss the pasta and spinach together, ensuring they are well mixed.
2. Add reserved pasta water: Pour in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce and create a silky texture. If you want a creamier consistency, you can add more pasta water as needed.

Step 4: Add the Lemon Sauce

Now, it’s time to add the lemon sauce and finish cooking the pasta.

1. Stir in the lemon zest and juice: Add the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pan with the pasta and spinach. Stir well to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the citrusy goodness.
2. Add the heavy cream: Pour in the heavy cream and mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. The cream helps balance the tanginess of the lemon and adds a rich texture to the dish.
3. Add the Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy and flavorful coating.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

After everything is combined, it’s time to serve the pasta.

1. Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, depending on your preference.
2. Plate the pasta: Use tongs to transfer the pasta to individual serving plates. Make sure to include plenty of spinach and sauce in each serving.
3. Garnish: Top the pasta with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley, and a lemon wedge on the side for added zest.
4. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Spinach Pasta

• Don’t overcook the pasta: For the best texture, cook the pasta al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. This prevents it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down beautifully and adds a vibrant green color to the dish. While frozen spinach is a good alternative, it may release excess moisture and change the texture of the dish.
• Add pasta water gradually: The reserved pasta water helps to create a smoother sauce and ensures that the pasta is well-coated. Add it in small increments to get the desired consistency.
• Adjust the lemon flavor: For a more pronounced lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon zest or juice. However, be cautious not to overpower the dish with too much acidity.
• Make it vegan: To make this dish vegan, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Spinach Pasta is delicious on its own but can be paired with various sides and toppings to complete the meal.

• Grilled Chicken: For added protein, serve the pasta alongside grilled chicken breast or sautéed chicken thighs.
• Shrimp: Grilled or pan-seared shrimp would also complement the flavors of the pasta perfectly.
• Side Salad: A light, crisp side salad with a lemon vinaigrette would balance the creamy pasta beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or a slice of crusty baguette for a more indulgent meal.

Variations

This Lemon Spinach Pasta can be easily customized to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Add other vegetables: Consider adding roasted or sautéed vegetables like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers to the pasta for extra color and nutrition.
• Spicy version: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh chili to give the pasta a spicy kick.
• Pasta shape options: You can use different types of pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni instead of spaghetti or linguine for a different texture.
• Add nuts: Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can be sprinkled on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dish in advance? While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time, then combine them just before serving. This will help preserve the texture of the pasta.

Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pan. Fresh spinach provides a better texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Lemon Spinach Pasta is a simple, refreshing, and versatile dish that offers the perfect balance of flavors. With its creamy sauce, zesty lemon, and nutritious spinach, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or serving it at a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the bright flavors and vibrant colors of this delightful pasta dish, and don’t forget to experiment with the variations to make it your own!

Yield: 4

Lemon Spinach Pasta Recipe

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Lemon Spinach Pasta is a bright, refreshing, and easy-to-make dish that combines the richness of pasta with the zesty flavor of lemon and the healthy addition of spinach. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or a satisfying side dish to any main course. The combination of lemon, garlic, and fresh spinach creates a flavor profile that's both invigorating and comforting. With the creamy finish of Parmesan cheese and a touch of olive oil, this pasta dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, packed
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for creamier texture)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
   
2. Sauté Garlic and Spinach: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown.
   
3. Add Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. If using red pepper flakes, add them at this stage for a little heat.
   
4. Add Lemon and Cream (Optional): Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. If you want a creamy version, add the heavy cream and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine.
   
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine with the spinach and garlic. If the pasta looks dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired sauce consistency is achieved.
   
6. Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated and creamy.
   
7. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the lemon spinach pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Creamy Option: If you prefer a richer dish, the addition of heavy cream makes the sauce silky and indulgent. Alternatively, you can skip the cream for a lighter version.

Flavor Variations: For extra flavor, try adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts on top for crunch.

Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese and substitute it with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast.