Fast spinach pasta for busy nights
This approach uses wilted spinach plus pantry staples to get dinner on the table quickly. It balances greens with garlic, olive oil, and cheese for comfort.
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- In a large skillet, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then add a big handful of spinach and toss until wilted.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, pour in a splash of reserved pasta water, and toss to combine.
- Finish with grated Parmesan, a squeeze of lemon, salt, and pepper.
- Optional: add red pepper flakes, roasted cherry tomatoes, or a protein like cooked chicken or sausage.
Why it works: the pasta water helps form a silky sauce that coats the noodles and spinach without cream. This method is flexible—add olives, capers, or cream to vary flavors.
Ready in about 20 minutes, this dish is a reliable weeknight favorite that feels satisfying without fuss.