Spinach Pasta Recipe

Add some greens to your dinner tonight with this Spinach Spaghetti Recipe.

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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, herby pasta dish. Whether you like spaghetti, rigatoni, or even ravioli, spinach is a spectacular supporting player with the perfect earthy flavor.

So, if you’re looking for methods to add nutritious deliciousness to pasta, check out this straightforward spinach pasta recipe.

Is Spinach Pasta 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 minerals and antioxidants, all of which help keep your body strong. Depending on the type of pasta you use, how much cheese you add, and any extra ingredients you use, you could boost this spinach pasta’s health score even more.

For example, if you choose whole-grain pasta, you’ll get more fiber and other nutrients than with regular pasta. You could even opt for a non-wheat pasta alternative with lentils or chickpeas for extra protein and vitamins. 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.

Can you use frozen spinach?

You could use frozen spinach in this recipe if that’s all you have on hand. You just have to remember to thaw your frozen spinach the night before and squeeze out all the excess liquid. If you just throw your frozen spinach in the pasta recipe without doing this, it will add a ton of moisture and make your dish watery.

You also have to be careful about overcooking your frozen spinach to avoid creating a not-so-appetizing soggy texture. Cook the spinach as directed, stir in the pasta and cheese, and serve at once.

INGREDIENTS

8 oz 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
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook

Boil pasta until al dente.

Sauté

Cook garlic, then add and wilt spinach.

Combine

Mix pasta with spinach, season, and serve with Parmesan.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Spinach pasta comes together quickly, so it’s a good idea to have all your ingredients pre-measured and pre-chopped before firing up your stove. After you’ve cooked and mixed your perfect pot of pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. Typically, spinach pasta retains its flavors for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. You can eat it hot or cold. Freezing this dish is not recommended as it will affect the texture.

How do you make this recipe keto-friendly?

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.

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 (and give you something to sop up the juices). For a lighter option, you might want to consider serving your spinach pasta with a crisp lettuce salad either on the side or before your main meal.

Want extra protein in your spinach pasta? There are plenty of meats you could pick. Grilled Chicken or Shrimp are the most popular additions, since they pair perfectly with this recipe. However, you could also mix in Baked Tofu Cubes or Air Fryer Chickpeas if you’re looking for a protein source that’s vegan-friendly. Lastly, consider adding a creamy Alfredo or a lemon-butter sauce to add a richer “yum factor” to your spinach pasta.