Easy Pasta With Spinach And Garlic

Name: Easy Pasta With Spinach And Garlic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 200g pasta (your choice); 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Highlighted under: Ready-to-Serve

I love whipping up quick meals, and this Easy Pasta with Spinach and Garlic has become one of my favorites. It’s simple yet bursting with flavor, making it the perfect dish for any night. The combination of fresh spinach and aromatic garlic creates a delightful medley that complements the pasta wonderfully. Plus, it comes together in just under 30 minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy evenings. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience how satisfying a quick meal can be!

Created by

Sloane Patterson

Last updated on 2026-02-23T23:49:37.334Z

When I first tried this Easy Pasta with Spinach and Garlic recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor. The fresh spinach wilts perfectly in the pan with the garlic, creating a fragrant base that clings beautifully to the pasta. I like to add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan at the end, which gives it a creamy touch that elevates the dish.

What makes this recipe a winner is its simplicity—just a few fresh ingredients can create something delightful. I always keep pasta and spinach on hand so I can whip this up whenever I need a quick dinner that feels indulgent. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water, as it helps to bind the sauce!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Quick to prepare, perfect for any night.
Fresh ingredients create a burst of flavor.
Delightfully aromatic with garlic and spinach.

The Role of Garlic

Garlic is the star of this Easy Pasta with Spinach and Garlic. When sautéed, it transforms from sharp and pungent to sweet and aromatic, adding depth to the dish. Sauté the minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant—this usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste that overshadows the other flavors.

If you're a garlic lover, consider using roasted garlic instead. Roasted garlic gives a milder and sweeter flavor, making it a delicious alternative. You can easily roast a bulb of garlic wrapped in foil in the oven for about 30-35 minutes at 400°F (200°C) until soft and caramelized. Blend it with the olive oil before adding to the pan for an even richer taste.

Choosing Your Pasta

Pasta selection matters for the overall texture of your dish. Options like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta can work well. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce effectively; for example, tubular pasta like penne may trap the garlic and spinach sauté better than flat types. Remember to cook the pasta 'al dente', so it retains a slight chewiness, which adds to the dish's body.

Consider cooking a whole grain or bean-based pasta for a heartier option. Whole grain pasta adds nutty flavor and fiber, while bean-based varieties like chickpea pasta provide extra protein. These choices can alter the cooking time slightly, so watch them closely and taste as you go to ensure perfect texture.

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with leftovers, this pasta dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or extra olive oil and heat over low heat in a skillet. This helps to revive the texture and ensure it doesn’t dry out. Stir occasionally until warmed through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

For meal prep, consider making a larger batch of the garlic-spinach mixture and storing it separately. Cook the pasta fresh each time to ensure the best texture. This method allows you to enjoy your Easy Pasta with Spinach and Garlic multiple times while keeping the ingredients vibrant and fresh.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

200g pasta (your choice)
2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your pasta:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Add Spinach

Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine

Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water, stirring to combine everything well. Cook for an additional minute until heated through.

Serve

Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your delicious pasta dish!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider tossing in some red pepper flakes or toasted pine nuts before serving.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish shines on its own, adding seasonal vegetables can enhance its nutritional profile and flavor. Consider tossing in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers in the final stages of cooking for added sweetness and color. Another option is to serve it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and bring out the garlic.

For a heartier meal, pair this pasta with grilled chicken or shrimp. Simply sauté the protein in the skillet before adding the garlic and spinach for a balanced dish that offers protein alongside the vibrant greens. This can also make for great meal ideas when entertaining guests.

Variations to Try

Don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs and spices to tailor this recipe to your taste. Adding red pepper flakes during the sautéing process can introduce a paddle of heat if you love a spicy kick. Alternatively, fresh herbs like basil or parsley can be stirred in right before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.

If you're looking to make the dish vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast makes a fantastic substitution, providing a cheesy flavor without dairy. Sprinkle it on just before serving for a rich, savory finish that everyone can enjoy.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the skillet.

→ What type of pasta should I use?

You can use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or cannellini beans make great additions.

→ How do I make it vegan?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.