Lemon Garlic Spinach Pasta

This Lemon Garlic Spinach Pasta recipe is an easy, healthy meal for 1 or 2 that can be on the table in 15 minutes. Vegan, gluten-free option.

Click here to save this Lemon Spinach Pasta recipe on Pinterest!

Today is the start of a new series for quick, healthy and flavorful meal ideas that serve just 1-2 people.

Cooking for 1 can be a drag sometimes, whether you have to do it on the reg or even just occasionally when everyone else has dinner plans.

And sometimes you want a hearty meal (like pasta) but you don't want to be eating those leftovers for the next 8 days straight. Am I right?

So here's a solution that is in the middle: this will serve 2 people as a main, or 1 person with an extra portion for leftovers.

Items needed (affiliate links):

• A pot for boiling pasta
• A strainer for draining pasta (if your pot doesn't have one built in)
• A skillet for cooking the spinach and to mix everything together
• A good knife for cutting the lemon, garlic, and tomato

Start by boiling water and cooking the pasta (I used a penne, can use gluten-free variety if needed).

While the pasta is cooking, saute the spinach in the cast iron skillet with a little garlic and olive oil. (Remember spinach cooks down A LOT).

Toss 'em together.

Add a squeeze of lemon juice, salt and pepper, and a little more olive oil if you want. Maybe a few slices of tomato. If you like things pretty basic, your meal is pretty much ready.

Options to “upgrade” the flavor a bit: herbs (a sprinkle of basil, parsley or oregano are all good options here); a sprinkle of cheese; avocado.

Yes, I said avocado. I like to add the avocado on the side for some healthy fats and fiber, and it makes the meal a little more filling. Aaaand I pretty much add avocado to everything I can. If that sounds weird to you, leave it off.

So here's the vitamin breakdown of this meal:

Lemon: Provides vitamin C

Spinach: Provides protein, fiber, and lots of nutrients

Tomato: Provides vitamins A, C, K, potassium

Avocado: Provides healthy fats, vitamin K, B5, B6, potassium, fiber

Just to name a few.

And it's all ready in 15 minutes.

This makes for a perfect lunch or quick meal! Filling on its own, but would also pair well with a light salad or soup.

Tell me: do you like small quick meals like this?

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5 from 1 vote

Lemon Garlic Spinach Pasta

This Lemon Spinach Pasta recipe is an easy, healthy meal for 1 or 2 that can be on the table in 15 minutes.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 2

Calories 446kcal

Author Kelly @ trial and eater

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cup penne pasta (sub a gluten-free pasta if needed)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil , plus more for drizzling
• 1-2 cloves garlic , minced
• 5 oz. baby spinach
• 1/2 lemon
• slices of cherry tomato
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 avocado (on the side), optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• In a medium pot, boil water. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-9 minutes). Drain.
• While the pasta is cooking, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir for 1 minute.
• Add spinach to pan and saute for 2-3 minutes until cooked down, remove from heat.
• Combine pasta and spinach. Squeeze lemon juice over pasta dish, add tomato slices and drizzle more olive oil as desired. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Notes

Options to customize: Add a sprinkle of cheese, sauce, or spices (basil, parsley or oregano are my favorites); garnish with lemon slices.

Avocado on the side is optional for more nutrients + healthy fats. 

*You may prefer more spinach than a 5 oz. package, as spinach cooks down a ton! Especially if you aren't including the avocado and have fewer toppings.

 

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