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Quick Garlic Spinach Pasta with Pine Nuts

A quick and delicious pasta dish featuring fresh spinach, garlic, and toasted pine nuts, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and nuts
  • 250 grams spelt pasta (or your favorite pasta type) Using whole grain or spelt pasta for added nutrition.
  • 40 grams pine nuts or cedar nuts Lightly toast for enhanced flavor.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Extra virgin recommended for a richer flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely sliced Fresh garlic is key!
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt Adjust based on preference.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Use freshly cracked for added kick.
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper flakes Optional for heat.
Vegetable Ingredients
  • 100 grams fresh spinach Fresh organic spinach if possible.
  • 1 zest of a lemon Adds brightness to the dish.
  • 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice About fresh juice.
Pasta Water
  • 60 ml reserved pasta water To help sauce cling to the pasta.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente.
  2. Toast the pine nuts in a frying pan over low-medium heat until golden brown, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes.
  3. In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the finely sliced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  4. Add sea salt, black pepper, and hot pepper flakes to the pan. Then, turn off the heat and add fresh spinach to wilt in the residual heat.
Combining
  1. Before draining the pasta, reserve 60 ml (1/4 cup) of pasta water. Drain the pasta and toss it into the garlic-spinach mixture with reserved pasta water, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  2. Gently toss everything until well combined and serve topped with toasted pine nuts.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water to restore texture. For meal prep, you can prep the garlic-spinach-nut mixture a day ahead.