Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of Lemon Butter Spinach Spaghetti, a dish that combines zesty lemon, rich butter, and tender spinach for a gourmet meal in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting pasta dish is both indulgent and refreshingly light.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti
- Fresh Spinach
- Unsalted Butter
- Fresh Lemons
- Garlic
- Parmesan Cheese
- Olive Oil
- Pasta Water
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
- While the water heats, mince your garlic cloves, zest your lemons, and then juice them. Wash your spinach thoroughly and set it aside.
- Once the water is boiling, add your spaghetti to the pot. Cook according to package directions until it's al dente. Before you drain the pasta, scoop out at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Then, drain the spaghetti, but don't rinse it!
- While your spaghetti is cooking, heat a large skillet or wide pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add your minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss it with the garlic and butter until it's completely softened, which usually takes just 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the remaining unsalted butter, the fresh lemon zest, and the fresh lemon juice to the pan with the spinach. Stir gently until the butter is melted and everything is well combined.
- Add the cooked, drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the lemon butter spinach mixture. Using tongs, toss everything together really well.
- Add about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Continue tossing vigorously until the sauce is glossy and emulsified. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Add about half of your freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta and toss one last time.
- Divide the Lemon Butter Spinach Spaghetti among serving bowls. Garnish with a fresh grind of black pepper, a little extra Parmesan cheese, and perhaps a fresh lemon wedge on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Don't overcook your pasta; al dente provides the best texture. Always reserve pasta water for a silky sauce, and use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust seasoning to your taste and consider adding a protein or other veggies for variation.