Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Wilted Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender spaghetti tossed in a bright garlic-lemon sauce with fresh spinach for a light and satisfying vegetarian meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs spaghetti, salt, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 5 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Italian cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add 1 tbsp salt, then cook 8 oz spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 cups baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with black pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Wilted Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Wilted Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Wilted Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Wilted Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Wilted Spinach vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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