Spinach Pasta with Zaatar Lemon and Parsley
Quick and easy, this weeknight spinach pasta recipe is tossed in a garlicky olive oil sauce and flavored with lemon, za’atar, red pepper flakes, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan.
This spinach pasta gets a Mediterranean-style twist with a garlicky olive oil sauce, lemon, za’atar, red pepper flakes, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 397.7kcal
INGREDIENTS:
½ pound spaghetti (or other long, thin pasta)
Kosher salt
½ to ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
5 to 6 large garlic cloves, minced
12 ounces baby spinach
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 to 4 tablespoons za’atar, divided
½ cup to 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
INSTRUCTIONS:
Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season well with kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook according to al dente according to package instructions (about 8 to 9 minutes). Reserve 2 cups of pasta water, then drain.
Soften the garlic. In a large pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the garlic and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute (you want some color but do not burn the garlic).
Wilt the spinach. Add the lemon juice and a splash of the pasta cooking water (about ½ cup). Begin adding in the spinach in batches, stirring until wilted and seasoning with a pinch of salt as you go. When all of the spinach is fully wilted, about 5 minutes, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon of za’atar.
Combine the pasta and sauce. Add the pasta to the pan of spinach and toss everything to combine. Add the remaining za’atar, parmesan, lemon zest, and parsley. Toss until everything is well-combined. If the pasta looks a bit dry, add a little more olive oil or a splash more of the pasta cooking water and stir until it’s glossy.
Serve. Serve with more cheese and za’atar on the side (I know I always add more of both to my bowl).
Notes:
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly on the stovetop over medium heat, adding more olive oil or a splash of water as necessary to prevent it from drying out.
Nutritional Info:
Calories: 397.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 41.8g | Protein: 8.9g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 3.3g | Sodium: 72.4mg | Potassium: 616.7mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2.2g | Vitamin A: 7605.7IU | Vitamin C: 48.7mg | Calcium: 151.4mg | Iron: 6.5mg