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Lemon Spinach Pasta

A delightful and creamy pasta dish combining fresh spinach with zesty lemon, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz Pasta of choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne) Choose your favorite type.
  • 4 cups Fresh spinach Adds color and nutrients.
  • 1 cup Lemon juice and zest For brightness and acidity.
Seasonings
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced For aromatic depth.
  • to taste Salt Essential for flavor enhancement.
  • to taste Black pepper Essential for flavor enhancement.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Adds richness and umami.
Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved For sweetness and color.
  • 1 cup Cooked chicken or shrimp Optional protein addition.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes For those who like some heat.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sautéing Garlic and Spinach
  1. In the same pot or a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Preparing the Sauce
  1. Lower the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until cheesy and creamy.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the drained pasta back to the pot. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the preferred consistency is achieved.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re adding cherry tomatoes or protein, fold them in now.
Serving the Dish
  1. Plate the pasta and top with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

For best results, reserve pasta water for creaminess. Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor.