Lemon-Herb Pasta with Garden Greens

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

Elegant pasta tossed with a bright lemon-herb sauce and tender garden greens for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped basil, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti, 2 cups baby spinach, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper to the skillet. Toss with reserved pasta water until sauce coats pasta evenly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Pasta with Garden Greens take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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-Herb Pasta with Garden Greens?

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-Herb Pasta with Garden Greens?

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-Herb Pasta with Garden Greens for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Herb Pasta with Garden Greens?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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