Creamy Lemon Spinach Spaghetti (Printable version)

Thin spaghetti in a luscious lemon cream sauce with fresh spinach, ready in 25 minutes for a vibrant and comforting vegetarian meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz thin spaghetti
02 - Salt for pasta water

→ Vegetables

03 - 7 oz fresh baby spinach
04 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
05 - Zest of 1 lemon
06 - Juice of 1 large lemon

→ Sauce

07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
08 - 3/4 cup plus 1 tbsp heavy cream
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

11 - Extra lemon zest
12 - Additional Parmesan for serving

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.
03 - Add the spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir in the lemon zest.
04 - Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese, letting the cheese melt and the sauce thicken slightly.
05 - Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If needed, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
06 - Season generously with black pepper and adjust salt to taste.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon zest and additional Parmesan.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Quick and Easy: A complete main dish ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Bright Flavors: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a tangy contrast to the rich cream.
  • Nutrient-Rich: Packed with 200g of fresh baby spinach.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry and fridge staples like butter, garlic, and Parmesan.
02 -
  • Garlic Control: Cook the minced garlic just until fragrant to avoid any bitter, burnt notes.
  • Cream Temperature: Keep the cream at a gentle simmer; do not let it reach a rolling boil to maintain a smooth texture.
  • Fresh Citrus: Always use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for the most vibrant, tangy flavor profile.
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