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 with a gluten-free option.

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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:

• 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?