Spinach and Pasta

This simple spinach and pasta dish is a quick, nutritious one-pot meal that combines tender pasta with fresh spinach in a light garlic-olive oil sauce. It’s budget-friendly using Lahore market spinach (palak) and everyday pasta, ready in under 20 minutes, and perfect for busy evenings or light lunches. The bright green spinach adds vitamins while keeping it fresh and flavorful.

Spinach and Pasta

Ingredients

For 4 servings, gather these easy items:

  • 300 grams pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)
  • 500 grams fresh spinach (palak), washed and roughly chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for mild heat)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
  • Juice of ½ lemon (for brightness)
  • Fresh coriander or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Direction

  • Cook this fresh pasta dish in these straightforward steps:
  • Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 to 10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  • Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red chili flakes (if using); sauté 1 to 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden—do not burn.
  • Step 3: Add chopped spinach in batches, stirring until wilted (about 3 to 4 minutes total). Season with salt and black pepper.
  • Step 4: Add drained pasta to the skillet with the spinach. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light sauce that coats everything.
  • Step 5: Squeeze in lemon juice for freshness and toss again. Taste and adjust salt or pepper.
  • Step 6: Serve hot, topped with grated cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy immediately for best texture.

Nutrients Information

Per serving (approximate values without cheese):

  • Calories: 320 to 360
  • Total Fat: 10 to 12 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 grams
  • Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
  • Sodium: 150 to 250 milligrams
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50 to 55 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 5 to 7 grams
  • Sugars: 3 grams (natural from veggies)
  • Protein: 10 to 12 grams
  • Excellent source of vitamin A and K from spinach, vitamin C from lemon, and complex carbs from pasta. A heart-healthy, iron-rich vegetarian meal that supports energy and digestion..

Recipes Credit

Contributed by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Extension Service