Add some greens to your dinner tonight with this simple and delicious Spinach Pasta Recipe.
Before kale became the trendiest leafy green, spinach was the superstar. After all, how many veggies could claim to play an iconic role in a hit cartoon series? While nutritionists might debate which leafy green deserves to be labeled the “healthiest,” it’s clear that spinach is an excellent option for people who want to treat their bodies right.
Besides its many health benefits, spinach is a great addition to your culinary repertoire, since it’s easy to incorporate into many recipes. Whether you want spinach’s flavor to stand out or you want to sneak it into something like a green smoothie, there are plenty of creative ways to get this green into your diet.
One delicious way to incorporate spinach into your dinner routine is to add it to a cheesy, herb-infused pasta dish. This dish isn’t just quick and ideal for busy weeknights, but it’s also full of flavor from earthy spinach, zesty garlic, and salty Parmesan. So, if you’re looking for methods to add nutritious deliciousness to pasta and get in those greens, check out this straightforward recipe.
Is This Spinach Pasta Recipe Healthy?
All it takes is a handful of fresh spinach to supercharge the nutrition of your pasta night. Like other leafy greens, spinach is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. Depending on the type of pasta you use and any extra ingredients you add, you could boost this spinach pasta’s health score even more.
For example, if you choose whole-wheat pasta, you’ll get more fiber and other nutrients than with regular pasta. You could even opt for a non-wheat pasta alternative made with lentils or chickpeas for extra protein and vitamins. Just because you’re on a low-carb diet doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a healthy bowl of spinach pasta. Instead of using wheat pasta, look for keto-approved products with alternative ingredients like cauliflower, or get out your spiralizer and make some zucchini noodles. You could also look for shirataki noodles to enjoy a texture similar to spaghetti without the gluten.
For dairy-free dieters and vegans, look for a dairy-free version of Parmesan cheese or substitute with “cheesy” ingredients like nutritional yeast or cashew cream. Lastly, add more veggies like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or shallots to enhance the flavor and add extra nutrition.
Jazzing Up Your Spinach Pasta
Though this dish is perfect as is, there are many ways to make it even better. A squeeze of lemon juice and a touch of zest, for example, will add vibrancy to the dish and delicious citrusy notes. For punchy flavor, add a few anchovy fillets when you sauté the garlic in step two. A fan of heat? Add a finely chopped red chili along with the spinach. Sometimes I’ll also add a few spoonfuls of fresh pesto along with the pasta. For a more substantial meal, top each serving with a fried egg. You might also want to finish the dish with toasted pine nuts or even a dash of ricotta salata.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Typically, spinach pasta retains its flavors for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container. You can eat it cold or gently reheat it on the stovetop. Leftovers can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
For those who don’t mind carbs, it’s common to serve spinach pasta with a side of crusty Garlic Toast to enhance all those rich flavors.
Want extra protein in your spinach pasta? There are plenty of meats you could pick. Grilled Chicken or Pan-Seared Shrimp are excellent additions. However, you could also opt for Crispy Baked Tofu or Air-Fryer Chickpeas if you’re looking for a protein source that’s vegetarian-friendly.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti or any long pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the basil and parsley, and cook for an additional minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach mixture. Toss well to combine. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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