Garlic Butter Spinach Pasta with Crispy Breadcrumbs
Ingredients
- 12 ouncespasta
- ·salt
- 8 ouncesspinach
- 4 tablespoonsbutter
- 4 clovesgarlic
- ¼ teaspoonred pepper flakes
- 2 slicesbread
- 2 tablespoonsolive oil
- 1lemon
- ½ cupparmesan cheese
Prep
- 01
Mince 4 cloves garlic
- 02
Pulse or tear 2 slices bread into coarse crumbs (you need about 1/2 cup)
Method
- 01
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 9 minutes. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 02
While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and toast, stirring often, until golden and crispy, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- 03
In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 04
Add spinach in batches, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes total.
- 05
Return pasta to the pot with the spinach. Add 1/2 cup pasta water and toss well. Add more pasta water if needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
- 06
Squeeze juice from lemon over the pasta. Stir in parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- 07
Divide among bowls and top generously with crispy breadcrumbs.
Spice Tips
For more heat, increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a pinch of cayenne. A handful of fresh basil or parsley stirred in at the end brightens the dish. For richness, add a splash of heavy cream with the pasta water.