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Flavorful Lemon Garlic Butter Pasta with Spinach

Lemon garlic butter pasta - featured image
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A bright, comforting, and addictive pasta dish featuring zesty lemon, sizzling garlic, melted butter, and fresh spinach. Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach, washed and dried
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  3. Sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Stir to blend flavors.
  4. Add 2 cups fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes, keeping spinach bright green and tender.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss well to coat in garlic butter and spinach mix.
  6. Sprinkle in zest and juice of 1 large lemon. Stir gently to distribute flavor evenly.
  7. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time (about 1/4 cup or 60 ml) to loosen the sauce and achieve a silky texture.
  8. Taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Cook garlic on medium to medium-low heat and stir frequently to avoid burning. Add spinach at the last moment to keep it vibrant and tender. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce and create a silky texture. Add lemon juice off the heat or at the end to preserve brightness. Toss pasta gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic butter pasta, spinach pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comforting pasta, garlic butter sauce

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/flavorful-lemon-garlic-butter-pasta-with-spinach-easy-homemade-recipe/