Zesty Spaghetti Aglio E Olio with Lemon and Spinach: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Italian Recipe
Elevate your weeknight dinner with our Zesty Spaghetti Aglio E Olio with Lemon and Spinach, a refreshing and vibrant twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. This delightful recipe blends the traditional flavors of garlic and olive oil with the bright, zesty notes of fresh lemon and the healthful goodness of spinach. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just looking for a quick and flavorful meal, this dish brings together the simplicity of Italian cuisine with a modern, lively touch.
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Durum Wheat Spaghetti Pasta | 300 grams |
| Spinach (roughly chopped) | 200 grams |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 10 cloves |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon Zest | A pinch |
| Lemon (juice extracted) | 1 Lemon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 4 tablespoons (adjustable) |
| Parmesan Cheese (grated or powdered) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 25% DV |
| Vitamin C | 40% DV |
| Calcium | 15% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Instructions
1. Preparing the Ingredients
To begin preparing your Zesty Spaghetti Aglio E Olio with Lemon and Spinach, gather all your ingredients. Set them aside in bowls, keeping everything organized and ready to go for a quick and seamless cooking experience.
2. Boiling the Pasta
In a large pot of water, bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water to season the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the durum wheat spaghetti. Use a pasta fork or spoon to gently stir and ensure the spaghetti is fully submerged in the water. Allow the pasta to cook until it reaches al dente – this means it should be tender but still firm to the bite. Typically, this takes about 9-10 minutes, but you can taste a strand to check.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 2-3 ladles of the pasta water, then drain the spaghetti. The reserved pasta water will help you achieve the desired silky texture when you toss the pasta with the sauce.
3. Sautéing the Garlic and Spinach
While your pasta cooks, heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped garlic and red chili flakes. Sauté for about a minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned (to prevent bitterness).
Next, add the spinach and lemon zest to the pan. Toss the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. Squeeze the juice from the lemon directly into the pan and stir everything together. The spinach should be vibrant and tender, but still have some texture.
4. Tossing the Pasta with the Sauce
Once your pasta is drained, add it to the skillet with the garlic, spinach, and lemon mixture. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce, making it silky and smooth. Toss the ingredients together for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring the pasta is fully coated with the flavorful olive oil and spinach mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary.
5. Serving the Dish
Your Zesty Spaghetti Aglio E Olio with Lemon and Spinach is ready to be served! Transfer the pasta to individual serving plates. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of richness and flavor.
6. Pairing Suggestions
This vibrant dish pairs wonderfully with a refreshing Fruit & Vegetable Salad with Thousand Island Dressing for a light contrast, or you could serve it alongside some crispy Garlic Bread to round out the meal. For an elevated touch, enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Cooking Tips & Variations
- Add Protein: If you’d like to include some protein, try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a boost of texture and flavor.
- For a Creamier Version: You can add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese to create a richer, creamier pasta sauce.
- Make it Spicier: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can increase the amount of red chili flakes or add some freshly sliced chili peppers to the sauté pan.
- Vegan Option: Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free version made from nuts or nutritional yeast.
This Zesty Spaghetti Aglio E Olio with Lemon and Spinach is the perfect balance of fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make. With its zesty lemon kick and vibrant spinach, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your pasta repertoire. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, and it’s perfect for those moments when you want a satisfying and healthy meal in a flash. Enjoy!
