Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach

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Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach: A Quick, Healthy, and Flavorful Meal!

Get ready for a super simple yet incredibly delicious and satisfying meal with this Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach! This dish features tender spaghetti tossed with aromatic garlic, vibrant fresh spinach, and a hint of red pepper flakes, all brought together with a light, flavorful sauce. It’s a quick, healthy, and versatile meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a light, fresh lunch!

This spaghetti dish is a celebration of fresh, clean flavors. The garlic provides a warm, savory base, the spinach adds a lovely earthy sweetness, and the pasta water creates a light, clingy sauce that coats every strand beautifully. It’s an effortlessly elegant dish that’s both comforting and nourishing.

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shape)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 6 cups fresh spinach (about 1 standard bag or container)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving, for brightness)

Equipment:

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Large skillet (big enough to hold pasta)
  • Colander
  • Tongs
  • Measuring spoons

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 ounces of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until it is al dente (firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.

  2. Sauté Garlic & Spinach: While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.

  3. Wilt Spinach & Add Spice: Add the 6 cups fresh spinach to the skillet with the garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach has fully wilted. If using, add the ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes at this stage and stir to combine.

  4. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked and drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic and spinach mixture. Splash in about ¼ to ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to start; this starchy water will help create a light sauce that clings to the noodles. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything well with tongs to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. Add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the pasta seems too dry or you want a saucier consistency.

  5. Serve: Plate the Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach immediately. Top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and offer lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty squeeze. Enjoy your simple yet satisfying meal!

Tips & Variations:

  • Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like halved cherry tomatoes (add with spinach) or sautéed mushrooms.
  • Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp (sautéed with the garlic), or cannellini beans for a more substantial meal.
  • Herb Freshness: A handful of fresh chopped basil or oregano added at the end with the spinach can enhance the flavor.
  • Nutty Touch: Toasted pine nuts sprinkled on top just before serving add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Flavorful Oil: For an extra layer of garlic flavor, you can let the garlic infuse in the olive oil over very low heat for 5-10 minutes before increasing the heat and adding spinach.

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