This easy and vibrant pasta is a celebration of fresh greens, garlic, and lemon. It’s light, nutritious, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep option.
🔥 Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🍽️ Cook Time: 15 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 25 minutes | 🍴 Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 cups mixed greens (spinach, kale, arugula)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)
Let’s Make It!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Cook pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Add greens: Stir in the greens and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine: Toss in the cooked pasta, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
Finish & serve: Top with Parmesan and pine nuts, if using. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
🍋 “A simple, fresh pasta that’s bursting with lemony greens and a hint of spice—light and satisfying!”
Tips & Variations:
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Creamy twist: Stir in a spoonful of ricotta or cream cheese at the end.
- Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil, parsley, or chives before serving.
📸 Tried this recipe? Tag @Smoothly_Cooking and show off your vibrant pasta plate! 🍋🌿