Go Back
–+ servings
Lemon Spinach Pasta

Easy Lemon Spinach Pasta: Bright, Creamy, and Ready in 20 Minutes

A quick and delicious Lemon Spinach Pasta bursting with flavor and nutrients, perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 8 oz Pasta (fettuccine or linguine) Use your favorite shape.
  • 4 cups Fresh spinach
  • 1 each Lemon zest and juice The star of this dish.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream or plant-based cream
  • 2 cloves Garlic cloves Minced.
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil For cooking.
Optional Toppings
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese For a salty, nutty flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Toasted pine nuts or walnuts
  • 1/4 cup Nutritional yeast Vegan alternative to Parmesan.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet

Method
 

How to Make Lemon Spinach Pasta
  1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add minced garlic; cook until fragrant and golden, about 1–2 minutes.
  3. Wilt Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss until wilted and bright green, about 2–3 minutes.
  4. Add Cream Mixture: Pour in heavy cream and lemon zest; stir gently until combined and starting to thicken, about 2 minutes.
  5. Combine Pasta: Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time.
  6. Finish with Lemon Juice: Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.
  7. Serve Warm: Divide pasta among bowls and top with Parmesan, nuts, or nutritional yeast as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use fresh lemons for the best flavor. Reserve pasta water for sauce consistency.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!