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Lemon Spinach Pasta Recipe | Fresh & Zesty

I have to admit, this lemon spinach pasta recipe has become one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights. The bright lemon flavor combined with tender spinach and garlicky pasta feels light yet satisfying. I love how fresh it tastes without using any heavy cream.

Every time I make it, I feel like I’m serving a restaurant-quality dish straight from my own kitchen. It’s fast, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to pull together. You can also enjoy similar creamy and fluffy desserts like Fluffy Japanese Cheesecake Cupcakes Recipe after dinner for a sweet finish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this refreshing pasta dish:

Spaghetti – 8 oz, or any long pasta like fettuccini or angel hair. Gluten-free pasta works too. Using fresh pasta adds extra softness.
Unsalted Butter – 3 tablespoons for a creamy and rich sauce. Avoid salted butter to control seasoning.
Garlic – 3 cloves, freshly minced or grated for the best aroma.
Red Pepper Flakes – ¼ teaspoon, optional for a subtle heat.
Lemon – 1, zest and juice. Choose a ripe, firm lemon for maximum flavor.
Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, freshly grated from a block for the best taste and texture.
Baby Spinach – 4 cups, fresh and pre-washed. Avoid frozen for the best color and texture.
Salt – ½ teaspoon, adjust to taste.
Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon, freshly cracked.

Note: several servings

Variations

This pasta is highly adaptable. Here are some ideas:

Dairy-Free: Swap butter with olive oil and use vegan parmesan.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
Creamy Twist: Use a splash of half-and-half or cream cheese instead of pasta water.
Spice Variation: Add crushed chili or smoked paprika for a unique kick. You can pair this pasta with a light snack like Caramel Apple Puppy Chow Recipe for a fun, sweet touch.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large Pot – for boiling pasta efficiently.
Skillet – to sauté garlic and toss pasta with spinach.
Citrus Juicer – makes extracting lemon juice easier.
Kitchen Tongs – perfect for mixing pasta without breaking noodles.

How to Make Lemon Spinach Pasta

Cook the Spaghetti

Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and avoid rinsing, as the starch helps the sauce cling.

Make the Sauce

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant, then stir in lemon juice and a splash of pasta water for a light, creamy consistency.

Add Pasta and Spinach

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and pasta is fully coated in the lemony garlic butter.

Finish with Lemon Zest and Parmesan

Remove from heat, sprinkle in lemon zest and freshly grated parmesan. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I always zest the lemon first, so I don’t accidentally mix seeds into the pasta.
Using fresh garlic really elevates the flavor; jarred garlic just doesn’t compare.
I like to toss the pasta gently with tongs to keep the noodles intact.
Reserve some pasta water—it helps adjust the sauce’s consistency perfectly.

How to Serve Lemon Spinach Pasta

This dish looks great served in a shallow bowl, topped with extra parmesan and a few lemon slices. Pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a full meal. Garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper and red pepper flakes adds color and depth.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of what you get per serving:

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fat: 12 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended as spinach may become watery and the texture of the pasta changes.

Reheating

Warm slowly over medium heat, adding a little extra butter or water if needed to restore creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why I keep making this dish:

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Fresh and Flavorful: Bright lemon and fresh spinach make it taste vibrant.
Customizable: Easily add proteins or switch to dairy-free options.
Minimal Ingredients: Only 9 common ingredients needed.
Light but Satisfying: Creamy texture without heavy cream or excess fat.

This lemon spinach pasta recipe is my ultimate combination of simplicity, flavor, and freshness—every bite feels like a little celebration on the plate.

Ben Carraoli