Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach

by

🍝 Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach

📝 Description

Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach is a classic, minimalist pasta dish inspired by Italian cooking principles: few ingredients, maximum flavor. Fragrant garlic sautéed in olive oil coats tender spaghetti, while fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and a mild earthy taste. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meatless meals, or a healthy comfort dish.

⏱️ Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

🍽️ Servings

  • Serves: 2–3 people

🛒 Ingredients

  • 200 g (7 oz) spaghetti

  • 3–4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 4 cups fresh spinach (packed)

  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)

  • Salt, to taste

  • Black pepper, to taste

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

  • 1–2 tablespoons pasta cooking water (as needed)

  • Optional garnish: lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

  2. Sauté the garlic
    Heat olive oil in a wide pan over medium-low heat. Add sliced garlic and cook gently for 30–60 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden (do not brown).

  3. Add spinach
    Add spinach to the pan and stir until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.

  4. Combine pasta and sauce
    Add cooked spaghetti to the pan. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

  5. Season and finish
    Season with salt, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Remove from heat.

  6. Serve
    Top with Parmesan cheese and optional lemon zest or juice. Serve immediately.

💡 Notes

  • Use fresh spinach for best texture, but frozen spinach works if thawed and well-drained.

  • Garlic should be aromatic, not browned — burnt garlic turns bitter.

  • Pasta water helps emulsify oil and creates a silky sauce.

🔧 Tips & Variations

  • Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or white beans

  • Make it vegan: Skip cheese or use nutritional yeast

  • Extra flavor: Add anchovies, sun-dried tomatoes, or toasted pine nuts

  • Spicy version: Increase chili flakes or add chili oil

  • Creamy twist: Stir in a spoon of ricotta or mascarpone at the end

🥗 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

  • Calories: 380 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 55 g

  • Protein: 12 g

  • Fat: 14 g

  • Fiber: 4 g

  • Sodium: 220 mg

(Values vary based on portion size and added cheese)

🌱 Health Benefits

  • Spinach: Rich in iron, vitamins A, C, and K, and antioxidants

  • Garlic: Supports heart health and immunity

  • Olive oil: Healthy monounsaturated fats for heart health

  • Light & balanced: Lower in calories compared to cream-based pasta dishes

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use whole-wheat or gluten-free spaghetti?
A: Yes! Whole-wheat adds fiber, and gluten-free works well with extra pasta water.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep well for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Q: Why reserve pasta water?
A: It helps bind oil and pasta together, creating a smooth sauce without cream.

Q: Is this dish kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely — just skip chili flakes for a milder taste.

Q: Can I add cheese while cooking?
A: Add cheese off the heat to avoid clumping or separation.

Leave a Comment