Lemon Spinach Pasta

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) uncooked pasta (such as linguine, spaghetti, or penne)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 tsp grated lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Steps to Cook:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
3. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If using, add the red pepper flakes.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the lemon-spinach sauce.
6. Serve the lemon spinach pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Cook’s Note:

• For a creamier sauce, you can use half-and-half or a combination of heavy cream and milk.
• If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, you can add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
• You can use baby spinach or regular spinach for this recipe. If using regular spinach, you may need to chop it more finely.
• This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
• If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

This lemon spinach pasta is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The combination of fresh spinach, tangy lemon, and creamy Parmesan cheese creates a flavor-packed sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

One of the key ingredients in this recipe is the fresh spinach. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and iron. It is also a good source of fiber, which can help promote digestive health and keep you feeling full and satisfied.

The lemon juice and zest add a bright, refreshing flavor to the dish, while the heavy cream provides a rich, creamy texture. The Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami note that complements the other flavors perfectly.

This recipe is also quite versatile. You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as linguine, spaghetti, or penne. And if you’re looking to make it a more substantial meal, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp.

To make this dish even healthier, you can opt for whole-wheat pasta, which provides more fiber and nutrients than traditional white pasta. You can also use low-fat or non-fat heavy cream or milk to reduce the overall fat and calorie content.

Overall, this lemon spinach pasta is a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying side dish, this recipe is a great option.