Description
This Spinach Spaghetti recipe combines tender al dente spaghetti noodles with a flavorful spinach and parmesan puree, enhanced by garlic, shallots, and aromatic seasonings. Ready in just 30 minutes, this simple yet delicious pasta dish offers a vibrant way to enjoy greens in a creamy, cheesy pasta form.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 10 ounces spaghetti noodles (283g)
Spinach Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup minced shallots (about 1 large or 2 medium shallots)
- 10 ounces raw spinach leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- Shredded parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti noodles until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the noodles. Optionally, toss the drained noodles with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter, minced garlic, and minced shallots. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and softened but not browned.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the raw spinach to the skillet in a few handfuls at a time, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula until the spinach begins to wilt and reduce in volume.
- Season the Spinach Mixture: Sprinkle garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper over the spinach and stir well to combine. Continue cooking until the spinach is completely wilted and the seasonings are well incorporated.
- Puree the Spinach Sauce: Remove the spinach mixture from the skillet and transfer it to a mini food chopper or blender. Add the grated parmesan cheese and blend until the mixture is smooth with no large chunks remaining, scraping down the sides once during blending for an even texture.
- Combine and Heat: Return the pureed spinach sauce and the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet set over low heat. Stir together gently and warm through, adding small amounts of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Plate the spinach spaghetti and garnish with red pepper flakes and additional shredded parmesan cheese to taste. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, but make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before cooking.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness if desired.
- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of cream or a dollop of cream cheese while blending.
- Adjust red pepper flakes amount to control the spice level.
- Use gluten-free spaghetti noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
