Lemon Spinach Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
2 people
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Calories
802 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Lemon Spinach Pasta
Description
In this recipe, spaghetti is cooked al dente, then combined with sautéed garlic and fresh spinach that wilts quickly when covered and heated. The pasta is tossed with lemon juice and zest, infusing a fresh citrus aroma. Butter is melted and used to toast almond slivers and breadcrumbs separately, lending a nutty crunch and a subtle richness contrasting the tender pasta and spinach.
The seasoning deliberately avoids heavy sauces; instead, the ingredients cling lightly to the pasta, emphasizing freshness and texture. The dish is best served immediately to retain the crispness of the toasted breadcrumbs and the brightness of the lemon.
Adding strong or wet ingredients like onions is discouraged as it reduces seasoning adhesion, leading to a less flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup almond raw, slivers
- ½ cup breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed, unseasoned
- ½ pound spaghetti Use gluten-free spaghetti if needed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, diced
- 4 ounces spinach fresh
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
Instructions
Prepare Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti.Boil until al dente (about 6 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, and remove pasta from the heat.
Make the Lemon Spinach Pasta:
- In a large shallow pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.When the butter is melted (but not browned) add the almonds and cook until the nuts are golden (2-3 minutes). Scoop the almonds out of the butter and set aside.
- Add the breadcrumbs to the butter and cook 2-3 minutes until toasted (still on medium-low).Remove the breadcrumbs and set aside.
- Add the olive oil to the pan. Keep heat at medium-low.Add the garlic. When the garlic begins to sizzle, add the spinach. Squeeze the lemon juice over the spinach and cover the pan. The spinach will begin to wilt.
- Add the pasta to the spinach and toss to incorporate. If the sauce seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. (I usually add at least one splash of pasta water, sometimes two, when cooking this meal.)Tip: If you forgot to reserve pasta water, add a splash of white wine to the sauce instead (not tap water).
- Add the lemon zest, along with the reserved almonds and breadcrumbs to the pasta, and toss again.Serve immediately, making sure to evenly distribute the almonds and spinach when serving.
Notes
- Do not add heavy or wet ingredients such as onions to maintain light adherence of seasonings to pasta.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to provide a firm texture that complements the wilted spinach and crunchy breadcrumbs.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 802 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 802kcal | 40% |
| Carbohydrates | 115g | 38% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 29g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 31mg | 10% |
| Sodium | 352mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 792mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 5672IU | 113% |
| Vitamin C | 45mg | 50% |
| Calcium | 184mg | 18% |
| Iron | 5mg | 28% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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