Garlic Butter Spinach and Pasta Recipe

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This Garlic Butter Spinach and Pasta recipe is a simple yet indulgent dish that’s loaded with savory garlic, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta all coated in a velvety, buttery sauce. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that takes only about 20 minutes to make, but the flavors are rich and satisfying. Ideal as a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch, this pasta dish can also be adapted with added proteins like chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

1. Gather Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are prepped and ready, especially the garlic and spinach, as the dish comes together quickly.
2. Grate Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for a smooth and creamy finish.

Cooking the Pasta and Spinach

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water to help create the sauce.
4. Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

1. Prepare Spinach: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
2. Add Spinach: Add spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just wilted. Remove spinach from the pan and set aside.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

Step 4: Start the Garlic Butter

1. Add Butter and Olive Oil: In the same skillet, add 4 tablespoons of butter along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. The olive oil prevents the butter from browning too quickly.
2. Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5: Add Pasta Water and Seasonings

1. Add Reserved Pasta Water: Pour in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and stir. This helps create a smooth, emulsified sauce.
2. Season: Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Stir until combined.

Combining and Serving

Step 6: Add Pasta and Spinach to Sauce

1. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to loosen the sauce.
2. Add Spinach: Gently fold in the wilted spinach until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Add Parmesan and Lemon Zest

1. Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pasta, stirring to combine. The cheese will melt and thicken the sauce.
2. Add Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest for a fresh, bright flavor that complements the garlic and spinach.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Top with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
2. Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta while warm and enjoy.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Protein: For a heartier dish, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
2. Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for an extra creamy sauce.
3. Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for additional flavor and color.
4. Herb Variation: Experiment with fresh basil or thyme in addition to parsley for a different flavor profile.

Tips for Success

1. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t become mushy when tossed in the sauce.
2. Reserve Pasta Water: Pasta water is essential to creating a smooth, cohesive sauce, so don’t forget to save some.
3. Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency, allowing the sauce to cling to the pasta without being too thin.
4. Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic provides a more robust flavor than garlic powder or pre-minced garlic.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Spinach and Pasta is a delightful dish that captures the simplicity and elegance of Italian-inspired flavors. With the rich aroma of garlic and butter, a hint of lemon zest, and the tender wilted spinach mixed with perfectly cooked pasta, this meal is sure to become a favorite. Whether enjoyed on its own or with added proteins, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your tastes. The next time you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal, try this Garlic Butter Spinach and Pasta recipe—it’s easy to make, rich in flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy!

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Prep Time
5 minutes

Cook Time
15 minutes

Total Time
20 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups fresh spinach, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
   In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
3. Add the Spinach:
   Add the spinach to the skillet, cooking until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter spinach. Toss everything together, adding a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce lightly coats the pasta.
5. Finish with Cheese and Lemon Zest:
   Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and lemon zest (if using). Toss everything again until well combined and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve:
   Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Pasta Options: This recipe works well with any type of pasta, including whole wheat or gluten-free.

Add Protein: To make this a more filling meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or a poached egg on top.

Extra Flavor: Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta before serving for extra richness.

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