Name: Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces spaghetti, dry; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 6 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/4 to 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving; lemon wedges, for serving (cut into quarters)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, garlicky, and impossibly simple, this Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach is comfort food that comes together in under 20 minutes. The garlic infuses the olive oil, the spinach wilts into silk, and a splash of reserved pasta water ties everything into a glossy sauce that clings to each strand. Fun fact: in many Mediterranean kitchens, a quick garlic-and-greens pasta is the nightly go-to when the fridge needs rescuing — and it somehow always tastes like a celebration.

This recipe is special because it’s fast, family-friendly, and uses pantry staples that you likely already have. If you love easy one-pan dinners, you’ll also enjoy my skillet pasta recipes like the cheesy Cajun garlic chicken rotini, which blends bold flavors with quick prep — check it out here: https://recipesfiber.com/cheesy-cajun-garlic-chicken-rotini-skillet/. Try this dish when you want something wholesome without fuss. You’ll be reaching for the pan in no time!

What is Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach?

What’s in a name? Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach is exactly what it sounds like — long pasta, golden garlic, and heaps of fresh spinach tossed together into a bright, savory meal. Curious about its origin? Imagine a busy cook in a small Italian kitchen asking, “What’s quick, cheap, and loved by kids and grandparents alike?” The answer: garlic and greens piled on spaghetti. And yes, it’s the kind of dish that proves the old saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Who knew a handful of spinach could be so romantic? Give it a try and see why this simple combo keeps showing up at the table.

Why You’ll Love This:

Garlicky comfort: The star here is the garlic-infused oil that coats every bite, giving the pasta an irresistible savory aroma and depth.
Budget-friendly cooking: With minimal ingredients and no heavy sauces, this recipe is gentle on your wallet while delivering maximum satisfaction.
Fresh, bright finish: Fresh spinach and a squeeze of lemon cut through the richness, and grated Parmesan adds that salty, umami finish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

If you enjoy bright, simple pastas, this is a lighter cousin to richer creamy garlic rice dishes like my chicken scampi creamy garlic parmesan rice — a great follow-up for nights when you want something heartier: https://recipesfiber.com/chicken-scampi-creamy-garlic-parmesan-rice/. Make this at home for a satisfying weeknight meal that still feels special.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is easy, fast, and comforting. It takes minimal prep and delivers a pleasing mix of textures: al dente spaghetti, tender wilted spinach, and lightly toasted garlic. The standout element is the silky sauce formed by reserved pasta water and olive oil — it’s deceptively simple but packs big flavor. Total time: about 20 minutes (10 minutes prep, 10 minutes cooking).

Ingredients

8 ounces spaghetti, dry
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
6 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped if large
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Salt and pepper, to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup)
Lemon wedges, for serving (cut into quarters)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside briefly.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch carefully so the garlic does not burn; slightly golden is perfect for a nutty, mellow flavor.
Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2–3 minutes, turning the leaves until they’re wilted and glossy. If you like a touch of heat, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes while the spinach cooks.
Toss Everything Together: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with spinach and garlic. Splash in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to help loosen and coat the noodles; add more if needed to reach a silky texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated.
Serve: Plate immediately. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve with extra lemon wedges and more Parmesan on the side.

Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach

What to Serve With:

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to echo the pasta’s brightness
Crusty garlic bread or toasted baguette for sopping up any leftover sauce
Roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra umami
Light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing pairing

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Use starchy reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce — it makes the dish silky without cream.
Don’t overcook the garlic; remove from heat if it browns too quickly to avoid bitterness.
If you’re low on fresh spinach, substitute with baby spinach or a mix of baby greens, but add them at the end as they wilt faster.
Add protein: toss in cooked beans, shrimp, or sliced chicken for a heartier meal.
Finish with lemon and freshly grated Parmesan for contrast; skip pre-grated cheese if you can — fresh grating melts better and tastes brighter.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The spinach will continue to soften, so plan to reheat gently.

Freezing: This pasta is best eaten fresh. Freezing is not recommended because the spinach and pasta texture degrade; if necessary, freeze for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to revive the sauce. Microwave gently in short intervals, stirring between rounds, and add a little water if the pasta seems dry.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best for this recipe? Spaghetti is classic, but linguine, fettuccine, or bucatini all work well. Choose a long pasta that holds the light sauce.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? Yes, but thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding. Add frozen spinach earlier in the pan to warm through.

How do I make this dish vegan? Skip the Parmesan and finish with nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for savory crunch.

Can I add protein to make this a main dish? Absolutely. Sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken strips, or chickpeas are excellent additions to make the meal heartier.

How much garlic is too much garlic? Four cloves gives great flavor without overpowering. If you’re a garlic lover, add one extra clove, but avoid burning it — burned garlic tastes bitter.

Conclusion

This Spaghetti with Garlic & Spinach is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly comforting and delicious. It’s fast, affordable, and perfect for weeknights or casual dinners with friends — an easy way to turn pantry staples into a meal everyone will enjoy. For related inspiration and variations that celebrate spinach and garlic in pasta, see Spinach and Garlic Spaghetti with Pecorino | Love and Olive Oil and Spinach Spaghetti with garlic crumbs – The clever meal. Give this recipe a try tonight, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends — good food is meant to be enjoyed together.