I crafted this Spinach Pasta using 8 oz pasta, fragrant olive oil, garlic, fresh spinach and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Blended with Parmesan cheese, this dish offers a vibrant mix of flavors that comes together in under 15 minutes. I love how quickly this easy pasta recipe brightens my weeknight dinners.

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I’ve always been a fan of meals that come together fast without sacrificing flavor. This Quick Spinach Pasta is one of my go-to weeknight recipes when I’m short on time but still want something hearty.

I start with 8 oz of my fave pasta, be it spaghetti or penne, and toss it in 3 tablespoons of olive oil along with 3 garlic cloves I’d previously minced. Then, I add 4 cups of fresh, roughly chopped spinach and a kick of red pepper flakes for a bit of surprise.

I season with salt and black pepper as needed, and if you’re feeling indulgent, a 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese can really lift the dish. This recipe falls into the category of pasta dinners, spinach pasta ideas, and overall easy pasta recipes that are perfect during busy evenings.

Its simplicity makes it a brilliant option when you’re craving a quick, tasty dinner. Enjoy experimenting with it!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I love how fast and easy it is to make. I mean, even on a crazy busy night, I can have this delicious meal ready in less than 15 minutes, and that really blows my mind.

Second, I enjoy the simplicity of the ingredients. With just a few items like pasta, garlic, spinach, and a splash of olive oil, it still manages to taste amazing. There’s something really comforting about a recipe that isn’t overcomplicated.

Third, I like that it’s super versatile. I can switch up the pasta type, throw in extra spices if I feel like it, or add more cheese for that extra flavor kick. And if the pasta gets a bit dry, I can just stir in some of the reserved pasta water to get that perfect saucy texture.

Lastly, I appreciate that it’s a healthy option. With fresh spinach and just the right amount of olive oil and garlic, it’s a meal that feels both light and satisfying. All in all, this recipe has quickly become one of my go-tos for a quick, tasty, and kinda healthy dinner.

Ingredients

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Pasta delivers hearty carbohydrates, offering filling comfort and essential energy for a vibrant meal.
Olive oil adds rich, healthy fats and a smooth taste that brings the flavors together.
Garlic bursts with flavor and antioxidants, helpin support your body’s immune system.
Fresh spinach is loaded with vitamins, fiber, and minerals.
Its nutritious and really tasty.
Red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, bringing a subtle heat that livens up the dish.
A dash of salt and pepper elevates flavors, balancing every spicy and tangy note.
Parmesan cheese offers salty, savory depth while adding a creamy richness in every bite.

Ingredient Quantities

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne or your fave)

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 cups fresh spinach (washed and roughly chopped)

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but really good)

How to Make this

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1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta, cook it until it’s al dente then drain, saving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

2. While the pasta’s cooking, heat the olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat.

3. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until the garlic just starts to turn golden, usually about a minute.

4. Toss in the roughly chopped spinach and stir until it wilts down, which should take 2 to 3 minutes.

5. Season the spinach mixture with salt and black pepper as it cooks.

6. Now add the drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach, mixing everything together well.

7. If the pasta seems dry, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to get a lighter, saucier dish.

8. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and give it one last stir before serving. Enjoy your quick and tasty weeknight meal!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot – needed for boiling the pasta in salted water
2. Colander – used to drain the pasta while retaining reserved water
3. Large skillet – for sautéing the garlic, red pepper, and spinach
4. Wooden spoon or spatula – helps stir the ingredients without scratching the pan
5. Cutting board – for prepping garlic and roughly chopping spinach
6. Knife – used for mincing garlic and chopping spinach
7. Measuring spoons – to accurately add olive oil and red pepper flakes
8. Grater – for finely grating the Parmesan cheese over the finished dish

FAQ

How do I know when my pasta is done?

The pasta should be al dente, meaning it still has a bit of bite. Usually, it takes about 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta you chose.

Can I use any other greens instead of spinach?

Yup, you can use kale or arugula if you want a different twist. The taste and texture might vary a bit, but its still tasty.

What if I dont have Parmesan cheese?

No biggie. You can just skip it or substitute with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano for a similar effect.

Can I add other ingredients to this dish?

Absolutely, feel free to toss in some cherry tomatoes or even some cooked chicken to make it more hearty.

How do I store leftovers?

Let the dish cool down a bit then put it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, just reheat it gently with a splash of water.

Quick Spinach Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

8 oz pasta – try gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles if you’re looking for a lighter option
3 tablespoons olive oil – you can use avocado oil or canola oil if olive oil isn’t available
3 garlic cloves, minced – if you’re short on fresh garlic, about 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder is a good substitute
4 cups fresh spinach – baby spinach works perfectly or even kale if you want a heartier taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for a similar savory flavor, Pecorino Romano or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can do the trick

Pro Tips

1. Try adding the pasta water slowly when you mix everything; it helps make a smooth, sauce-like consistency, so you dont end up with a dry dish.
2. Keep an eye on the garlic when it cooks because if it burns it gives a bitter taste that ruins the whole thing.
3. Give the spinach a quick rinse and kinda pat it dry before cooking; too much water can make the dish watery.
4. If you like a little extra kick, experiment with a tiny squeeze of lemon or an extra pinch of red pepper for a fresher, more vibrant flavor.