Quick & Creative · Italian
A zesty, vibrant dinner ready in minutes
Bright, fresh, and supremely comforting, this Lemon Garlic Spaghetti with Spinach is the perfect weeknight meal. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that's both satisfying and simple. The lemon and garlic marry beautifully, making each bite sing with taste.
Prep
10 min
Cook
15 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Main
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the garlic, tossing to coat. Pour in the lemon juice and zest, then add the spinach. Toss the pasta until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and toasted pine nuts if using.
Origin story
Spaghetti dishes are a staple in Italian cuisine, known for their simplicity and ability to highlight fresh ingredients. This particular combination of lemon and garlic is a nod to the bright and sunny flavors of Southern Italy, inspired by the abundant citrus groves and Mediterranean breezes.