One-Pan Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Spinach
A vibrant pasta dish where lemon and garlic infuse fresh spinach into a simple, creamy sauce in just 20 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 20 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown the garlic).
- Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to skillet, along with 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 2 cups fresh spinach, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 4: Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats the pasta and spinach wilts completely, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pan Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 One-Pan Lemon-Garlic Pasta with 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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Lemon-Garlic Pasta with 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 One-Pan Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Spinach 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 One-Pan Lemon-Garlic Pasta with Spinach?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple but stunning. The spinach wilted in seconds, and the sauce was creamy without cream. Perfect for impressing guests without the stress!
- ★★★★★
Easy and elegant for a busy weeknight. The garlic and lemon balanced beautifully without overpowering the pasta. Served with crusty bread and it was a full meal!
- ★★★★★
This was my go-to weeknight dinner for a month! The lemon-garlic sauce clung perfectly to the pasta, and the spinach added a lovely color. My kids even ate their veggies!
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