4.9 from 189 votes
Spinach Pasta with Za’atar, Lemon, and Parsley
Spinach Pasta with Za’atar, Lemon, and Parsley blends spaghetti with sautéed garlic, baby spinach, and a distinctive za’atar spice mix. Bright lemon juice and zest, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese add layers of fresh, tangy, and savory notes. The result is a fragrant pasta dish that’s both herbaceous and subtly spiced, ideal for a light but flavorful meal.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings:
5
servings
Calories:
3977 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound spaghetti (or other long, thin pasta)
- kosher salt
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 to 6 garlic minced, large cloves
- 12 ounces baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 to 4 tablespoons za'atar divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese plus more for garnish, to 1 cup, grated
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 1 cup parsley chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season well with kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook according to al dente according to package instructions (about 8 to 9 minutes). Reserve 2 cups of pasta water, then drain.
- Soften the garlic. In a large pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute (you want some color but do not burn the garlic).
- Wilt the spinach. Add the lemon juice and a splash of the pasta cooking water (about 1/2 cup). Begin adding in the spinach in batches, stirring until wilted and seasoning with a pinch of salt as you go. When all of the spinach is fully wilted, about 5 minutes, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon of za’atar.
- Combine the pasta and sauce. Add the pasta to the pan of spinach and toss everything to combine. Add the remaining za’atar, parmesan, lemon zest, and parsley. Toss until everything is well-combined. If the pasta looks a bit dry, add a little more olive oil or a splash more of the pasta cooking water and stir until it’s glossy.
- Serve. Serve with more cheese and za’atar on the side (I know I always add more of both to my bowl).
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding olive oil or water to prevent drying out.
- Use quality Mediterranean ingredients like olive oil and za’atar to enhance flavor.
Nutrition Information
Calories
397.7kcal
(20%)
Carbohydrates
41.8g
(14%)
Protein
8.9g
(18%)
Fat
23g
(35%)
Saturated Fat
3.3g
(17%)
Sodium
72.4mg
(3%)
Potassium
616.7mg
(13%)
Fiber
5g
(20%)
Sugar
2.2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
7605.7IU
(152%)
Vitamin C
48.7mg
(54%)
Calcium
151.4mg
(15%)
Iron
6.5mg
(36%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 5 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 3977
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 397.7kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 41.8g | 14% |
| Protein | 8.9g | 18% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.3g | 17% |
| Sodium | 72.4mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 616.7mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 2.2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 7605.7IU | 152% |
| Vitamin C | 48.7mg | 54% |
| Calcium | 151.4mg | 15% |
| Iron | 6.5mg | 36% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.