Lemony Pasta with Spinach and Crispy Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 poundpasta
- 10 ouncesfresh spinach
- 6 clovesgarlic
- 1½lemon
- ¼ cupolive oil
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- ½ cupparmesan cheese
Prep
- 01
Mince 6 garlic cloves.
- 02
Juice 1.5 lemons.
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 02
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring frequently for 2 to 3 minutes until the garlic turns golden and fragrant — do not let it brown.
- 03
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring until wilted, about 3 minutes total.
- 04
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with 3/4 cup reserved pasta water. Toss well to combine, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a light, silky sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 05
Off heat, stir in the lemon juice. Divide among bowls and top each serving with grated parmesan and a crack of black pepper.
Spice Tips
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon for more heat, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. A handful of fresh basil or mint stirred in at the end adds herbaceous complexity.
For a protein boost, toss in white beans or crumbled feta before serving. The lemon juice should be added off heat to preserve its bright flavor.