Spinach pasta is a flavorful and healthy dish made with fresh spinach, creamy and tangy feta, and zesty flavors. This easy pasta recipe makes a perfect dish for a quick yet comforting meal.
Bursting with fresh ingredients, and with just a few handy items, this quick and easy Spinach Spaghetti recipe is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s an excellent quick meal option for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Engage all your senses during food preparation to create a holistic culinary experience.
Table of contents
Looking for a quick and flavorful pasta recipe? Then this 20-minute creamy and zesty spinach spaghetti is calling your name. It is an ideal dish for a delicious and satisfying meal!
About Spinach Pasta
Spinach feta pasta is a quick and easy to make pasta that is packed with fresh spinach, creamy feta, and a hint of lemon zest. Rich in nutrients and flavor, this delicious pasta dish offers a delightful balance of flavors.
It brings together wholesome ingredients to make a meal that is not just flavorful but also nourishing. Imagine an indulgent combination of fresh spinach, creamy feta, and aromatic spices, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?
It’s great for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting yet light. It is also gourmet enough for parties or get-togethers, impressing everyone. You can serve it alone or with a side of spinach soup, salad, Chilli Cheese Toast, or bread of your choice for a restaurant-style meal.
Try it once, and this recipe is bound to be a favorite at your table.
Whether you are a beginner cook or a pasta lover, this quick spinach pasta recipe is simple to follow and sure to impress.
Try it today and enjoy the beautiful balance of creamy, zesty, and fresh flavors!
Let’s learn to make it!
Why will you love the recipe
This Spinach Pasta
✔️ is a vibrant and comforting dish
✔️ is quick and easy
✔️ has a perfect balance of flavors
✔️ is filling and satisfying
✔️ is ready in just 20 minutes
✔️ is perfect for a busy evening
✔️ is healthy and delicious
✔️ is loaded with spinach goodness
✔️ is easy to customize
✔️ can be made with proteins
✔️ is a lovely meat-free option
Ingredients
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Pasta: It is the base of this dish, giving a perfect bite to carry the flavors. I used spaghetti for this recipe, but you can also use penne, farfalle, or any other pasta of your choice.
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Spinach: Freshly chopped spinach leaves add freshness, vibrant color, and nutrients. If you don’t have fresh spinach leaves, you can also use frozen spinach.
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Onions: Finely chopped onions add sweetness and depth to the sauce.
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Olive oil: I sautéed onions, garlic, and spinach in olive oil for richness and flavor. You can also use butter or a combination of olive oil and butter for sautéing the spinach mixture.
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Garlic: Minced garlic adds an aromatic, savory flavor.
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Seasonings: Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, ground black pepper provides mild earthiness and warmth, and dried oregano infuses the pasta with a herby, Mediterranean flavor. Salt enhances the overall flavors of the dish.
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Water for boiling: You will need water for boiling the spaghetti or pasta.
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Cheese: I added feta cheese for creaminess and a tangy flavor in the sauce. Cream cheese adds extra creaminess and a luscious texture.
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Lemon: Lemon zest brightens up the dish with citrusy freshness, and lemon juice enhances the flavors.
Variations
Protein-Rich Spinach Pasta
For added protein, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
Vegan Spinach Pasta
If you follow a vegan diet, substitute feta and cream cheese with vegan feta and vegan cream cheese.
Other Greens
Instead of spinach, you can use other greens like kale or arugula for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta tastes great alone or paired with a fresh side salad, Corn Chilli Cheese Toast, and crusty garlic bread for a light lunch or dinner.
For a complete meal, serve it with a glass of white wine or mulled wine.
Storage Suggestions
This pasta tastes best when served fresh but also stores well. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it feels dry, add a splash of water before reheating to loosen the sauce.
Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Spinach Pasta
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Spinach: Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. If you don’t have fresh spinach, frozen spinach will also work in this recipe.
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Pasta Water: Adjust the consistency of the pasta by adding pasta water to the spinach mixture. It not only helps create a silky sauce but also helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
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Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices in this recipe.
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Healthier Pasta: For a healthier alternative, use whole-grain pasta or spaghetti.
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Lemon: Adding lemon juice and zest is optional but highly recommended. They add a touch of freshness and tang to this pasta recipe. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
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Serving: Serve it as a quick meal for lunch or dinner. It can also be packed in a lunchbox or for picnics.
Spinach Pasta (Step-by-step photo instructions)
Preparation
- Finely chop the garlic cloves and onion. Set them aside.
Boil Spaghetti
- Add boiling water to a pot, and add salt to it. Give it a stir. Alternatively, bring the water to a boil, then add the salt. Add the spaghetti or pasta to the pan.
- Cook until al dente or according to package instructions. To check if the spaghetti is done, use a knife to cut a piece — it should be tender but still firm to the bite, with no hard center. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
How to Make Spinach Spaghetti
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the olive oil or butter. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally. Once the spinach is wilted, add the salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
- Add a ladle of pasta water and stir to combine. Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts and coats the spinach.
- Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice for a fresh zing. Mix well and cook until the feta is almost melted.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the spinach mixture and toss well to combine. Add more reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency. Your creamy, zesty spinach pasta is ready. Garnish with extra feta cheese and serve hot.
Recipe Card
Spinach Pasta [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 8 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Lunch | European | 5 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 282 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
Spinach Pasta Recipe
- 300 grams spaghetti or penne pasta
- 500 grams fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Water for boiling
- Salt, to taste
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 200 grams feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preparation
- Finely chop the garlic cloves and onion. Set them aside.
Boil Spaghetti
- Add boiling water to a pot, and add salt to it. Give it a stir. Alternatively, bring the water to a boil, then add the salt. Add the spaghetti or pasta to the pan.
- Cook until al dente or according to package instructions. To check if the spaghetti is done, use a knife to cut a piece — it should be tender but still firm to the bite, with no hard center. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
How to Make Spinach Spaghetti
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the olive oil or butter. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally. Once the spinach is wilted, add the salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and oregano. Stir well to combine.
- Add a ladle of pasta water and stir to combine. Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts and coats the spinach.
- Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice for a fresh zing. Mix well and cook until the feta is almost melted.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the spinach mixture and toss well to combine. Add more reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency. Your creamy, zesty spinach pasta is ready. Garnish with extra feta cheese and serve hot.
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NOTES:
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. If you don't have fresh spinach, frozen spinach will also work in this recipe.
- Feel free to adjust the spices in this recipe.
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/spinach-pasta/
