Description
A light and flavorful Spinach Lemon Pasta that combines al dente spaghetti with a zesty lemon butter sauce, fresh baby spinach, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal, balancing tangy citrus with the richness of butter and the mild heat of red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- Salt for pasta water
Sauce & Assembly
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, grated or finely minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lemon, zested and then juiced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions, usually 9 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta but do not rinse it to preserve starch for the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring and cooking just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Lemon and Pasta Water: Pour in the lemon juice and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle bubble, which helps to emulsify the sauce and combine flavors.
- Toss in Spinach and Pasta: Add the baby spinach and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the sauce evenly coats the noodles. If the pasta looks dry, add an additional ¼ cup of reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss a few more times to meld all the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Making ahead or freezing this pasta is not recommended because the texture and flavor may be affected.
- For a richer and creamier sauce, substitute pasta water with half and half, whole milk, or cream cheese.
- Add proteins like shredded chicken, shrimp, grilled steak, or salmon for a heartier meal.
- To make a dairy-free version, swap butter for olive oil using the same quantity.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
