Go Back
Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is a beloved traditional Italian dish known for its simplicity and bold flavors. This classic recipe typically features just a few key ingredients: spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. However, in this vibrant rendition, we introduce spinach to the mix, adding a nutritious and colorful twist to the dish. The spinach not only enhances the visual appeal but also boosts the dish's nutritional profile, making it a fantastic choice for health-conscious food lovers. With its quick preparation time, Spinach-Infused Spaghetti Aglio e Olio is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

30-Minute Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Spinach

Discover a colorful take on the classic Italian dish with Spinach-Infused Spaghetti Aglio e Olio! This vibrant recipe incorporates fresh spinach, giving you added nutrition and visual appeal. With just a few simple ingredients like garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, you can whip up a delicious meal in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both flavorful and healthy, making it a must-try for any pasta lover looking to elevate their dinner game.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

400g spaghetti

5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.

    Prepare the Aglio e Olio Base: In a large, non-stick skillet, pour in the extra-virgin olive oil and place it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until the garlic turns a light golden color and becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

      Add Red Pepper Flakes: Immediately add the red pepper flakes to the skillet with the garlic oil. Stir for about 30 seconds to allow the heat to bring out the flavors of the spices, infusing the oil.

        Incorporate Spinach: Increase the heat slightly and add the roughly chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook while stirring frequently for about 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted. Season the mixture lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

          Toss the Spaghetti: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure every strand of pasta is well coated in the garlic oil and spinach mixture. If the pasta appears too dry, slowly drizzle in small amounts of the reserved pasta water, mixing until you achieve your desired creamy consistency.

            Finish & Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat, then sprinkle the lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Toss everything again to distribute the flavors evenly. Serve the spaghetti on plates, and if you like, grate some Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

              Enjoy Your Meal: Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and a touch more Parmesan cheese, if desired.

                Prep Time | Total Time | Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings