Vegetarian Creamy Spinach Pasta (Ready in Minutes)
This quick spinach pasta is a light and flavorful 20-minute meal made with garlic, olive oil, and fresh spinach. Perfect for busy nights when you want something fast, healthy, and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne)
- 4–5 cups fresh baby spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan or 1½ tbsp nutritional yeast
- Optional: Lemon juice, to finish
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve pasta water and drain.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté garlic for 30–60 seconds.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss to combine.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional cheese or lemon.
- Serve hot with extra herbs or chili flakes.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Add cream or plant milk for a creamy version.
- Stir in cooked chickpeas for extra protein.