Creamy Lemon Spinach Pasta

Welcome NutriQuorum! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Creamy Lemon Spinach Pasta. This dish is a delightful blend of zesty lemon, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach, making it both nutritious and incredibly satisfying.

I first discovered this recipe during a busy weeknight when I was craving something quick yet delicious. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time, this pasta dish has become a staple in my household.

So, let’s get cooking and bring some vibrant, fresh flavors to your table!

Ingredients for Creamy Lemon Spinach Pasta (serves 4)

• 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne)
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• zest of 1/2 small lemon (adjust to your taste)
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Lemon juice for serving
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat

Cooking Instructions

• • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Gradually add the spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Add the lemon zest, stirring to combine.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the creamy lemon sauce.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes.
  • Serve the creamy lemon spinach pasta hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or garlic knots on the side.
• Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or lemony dressing balances the richness of the pasta dish. Add cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices for extra freshness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roast seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: For a protein boost, serve grilled chicken breast or shrimp alongside the pasta.
• Caprese Salad: Create a classic Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves drizzled with balsamic glaze or olive oil.
• Focaccia or Bruschetta: Serve slices of homemade or store-bought focaccia bread or bruschetta topped with tomatoes, basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a delightful starter.

Variations of Creamy Lemon Spinach Pasta

• Add Protein:
  • Chicken: Sauté bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Add them to the pasta along with the spinach.
  • Shrimp: Quickly sauté shrimp in garlic and olive oil until pink and opaque. Toss them into the pasta just before serving.
• Vegetarian Options:
  • Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in olive oil until golden brown and add them to the pasta for an earthy flavor.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Halve cherry tomatoes and cook them briefly in the skillet with garlic before adding the cream and spinach.
• Cheese Variations:
  • Feta Cheese: Crumble feta cheese over the finished dish for a tangy twist.
  • Goat Cheese: Stir in creamy goat cheese for a richer and slightly tangy flavor profile.
• Whole Grain Pasta:
  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. Adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.
• Lemon Variations:
  • Lemon Butter Sauce: Create a lemon butter sauce by melting butter with lemon juice and zest. Drizzle it over the pasta before serving.
• Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Basil: Add fresh basil leaves or stir in some pesto sauce for an aromatic herbaceous note.
  • Thyme: Sprinkle fresh or dried thyme over the pasta for a subtle, earthy flavor.

The Art of Pairing Fresh Herbs with Dishes

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