Okay, let me tell you, finding a dinner that’s *actually* quick, super tasty, AND makes you feel a little bit healthy? It’s like hitting the jackpot! This Garlic Spinach Spaghetti is my absolute go-to for those nights when I’m starving and just want *good food* on the table, like, yesterday. Seriously, this isn’t some fancy, fussy dish. It’s the real deal – just simple ingredients coming together in under 30 minutes to make pure magic. I’ve made this so many times, I could probably do it with my eyes closed!

Why You'll Love This Garlic Spinach Spaghetti

Seriously, this Garlic Spinach Spaghetti is a lifesaver! It’s ridiculously easy, comes together in a flash, and tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did. Plus, you get your greens in there, so it feels like a win-win. It’s just pure, comforting deliciousness that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Simple Ingredients for Garlic Spinach Spaghetti

The best part about this recipe is that you probably have most of the stuff in your pantry already! You’ll need about a pound of spaghetti – whatever kind you like best. For the flavor, we’re talking 2 tablespoons of good olive oil, and a generous 4 cloves of garlic, minced nice and fine. Then, we pile in about 5 ounces of fresh spinach; I like to pack it in there because it wilts down so much! A little pinch of red pepper flakes is totally optional but gives it a nice little kick. And of course, salt and black pepper to taste. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese at the end is just divine.

How to Prepare Garlic Spinach Spaghetti

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness made! It’s really straightforward, I promise. First things first, get a big pot of salted water boiling for your spaghetti. Cook it according to the package directions – you want it perfectly al dente, that lovely slight bite. Before you drain it, though, this is super important: scoop out about half a cup of that starchy pasta water. It’s like liquid gold for making our sauce! Drain the spaghetti and set it aside for a sec.

Cooking the Spaghetti Perfectly

So, while that pasta is doing its thing, get a large skillet ready. Pop it on the stove over medium heat. We’re going to cook the spaghetti just until it’s tender but still has a little chew to it. Remember to save some of that cooking water before you drain it all away – it’s our secret weapon for a silky sauce!

Building the Flavor Base

Now, into that skillet, drizzle your olive oil. Let it warm up for just a moment, then toss in your minced garlic and those optional red pepper flakes. We want to cook this gently until it smells amazing, like, just about a minute. Be careful not to let that garlic turn brown, though! Burnt garlic is a sad thing, and we don’t want that here. For more on the benefits of garlic, check out this guide.

Wilting the Spinach

Next up is the star green: the spinach! Add it to the skillet, maybe a handful at a time if your pan is packed. It looks like a mountain, right? Don’t worry, it shrinks down super fast. Just keep stirring it around in the garlicky oil until all those lovely leaves are nicely wilted. Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins and minerals. Learn more about its health benefits here.

Combining and Finishing the Garlic Spinach Spaghetti

Okay, time for the grand finale! Add your drained spaghetti right into the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Now, grab that reserved pasta water and pour in a splash. Toss everything together really well. That little bit of pasta water will mix with the oil and garlic to create this light, beautiful sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti. Season it up with salt and pepper until it tastes just right for you. Give it one last good toss, and you’re ready to serve this amazing Garlic Spinach Spaghetti!

Tips for the Best Garlic Spinach Spaghetti

Want your Garlic Spinach Spaghetti to be absolutely perfect? A few little tricks go a long way! First, that garlic – watch it like a hawk! You want it fragrant and golden, not bitter and brown. Seriously, it happens in seconds. Also, don’t be shy with the salt in the pasta water; it seasons the spaghetti from the inside out. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper at the end, because everyone’s preference is different.

Ingredient Flexibility for Garlic Spinach Spaghetti

This Garlic Spinach Spaghetti is super forgiving, which is why I love it! If you want a little brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end is *chef’s kiss*. Feeling more substantial? Toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp. And don’t be afraid to play with the garlic and red pepper flakes – more for me, please!

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Spinach Spaghetti

This Garlic Spinach Spaghetti is fantastic on its own, but it also plays really nicely with other things! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a good idea to add some freshness. Crusty bread is a must for soaking up any extra garlicky goodness left in the pan, too. If you want to make it a heartier meal, some grilled chicken or shrimp tossed in works wonders, or even a side of roasted cherry tomatoes adds a lovely burst of sweetness.

Storing and Reheating Your Garlic Spinach Spaghetti

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your Garlic Spinach Spaghetti cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready for round two, the best way to reheat is in a skillet over low heat with a tiny splash of water or olive oil. This helps bring back that lovely sauciness. You can also microwave it, but give it a stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Spinach Spaghetti

Got questions about this super simple Garlic Spinach Spaghetti? I’ve got answers!

Is this Garlic Spinach Spaghetti recipe vegetarian

Yep, absolutely! This Garlic Spinach Spaghetti is totally vegetarian. If you skip the optional Parmesan cheese, it’s even vegan-friendly!

Can I make this Garlic Spinach Spaghetti ahead of time

You can totally make it ahead! Just let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet with a little splash of water to keep it from drying out.

What if I don’t have fresh spinach for my Garlic Spinach Spaghetti

No fresh spinach? No problem! You can totally use about 10 ounces of frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the skillet with the garlic. It works great for this easy pasta!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a little heads-up: the nutritional info for this Garlic Spinach Spaghetti is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the brands you use and exactly how much of everything you toss in. So, think of these numbers as a general guide!

Amazing Garlic Spinach Spaghetti: 4 cloves

Author: ferecipe.com
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious spaghetti dish featuring garlic and spinach.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
5 ounces fresh spinach
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
While spaghetti is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Do not brown the garlic.
Add fresh spinach to the skillet, a handful at a time, and cook until wilted.
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the spinach and garlic.
Toss to combine. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end.
Feel free to add cooked chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
Adjust the amount of garlic and red pepper flakes to your preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Pasta Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 400
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: garlic spinach spaghetti, easy pasta, vegetarian pasta, spinach garlic pasta, quick dinner