01 Apr 2025
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 5 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion
3 garlic cloves
2.50 cups vegetable broth
1 cup coconut milk
8 oz pasta
3 cups spinach
5 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
1 tsp red pepper (spice)
Lemon Spaghetti with Spinach is a vibrant, fresh, and creamy pasta dish that combines tangy lemon, nutritious spinach, and rich coconut milk. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is both vegetarian and full of flavor, offering a delightful way to enjoy a wholesome meal.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Finely chop the onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Roughly chop the spinach.
- Zest and juice the lemon.
2. Cook the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Combine Liquids:
- Pour in the 2.5 cups of vegetable broth and 1 cup of coconut milk. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook the Pasta:
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Add Fresh Spinach:
- Add the 3 cups of chopped spinach to the pot. Stir well to combine and allow the spinach to wilt, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
6. Season and Flavor:
- Stir in the 5 tsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 tsp of lemon zest, and season with a dash of salt and black pepper to taste.
- If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in 1 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasoning as necessary.
7. Serve:
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pot from the heat.
- Serve the lemon spaghetti with spinach immediately. You can optionally garnish with extra lemon zest, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
8. Enjoy:
- Enjoy your flavorful, creamy lemon spaghetti with spinach as a delightful meal on its own or alongside your favorite protein or salad!
Notes:
- Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest according to your taste preference.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Tips:
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
- Ensure the spinach is well washed and remove any tough stems.
- Cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
- Add the red pepper flakes gradually to adjust the heat to your preference.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the broth quantity slightly or let it simmer longer.
This Lemon Spaghetti with Spinach is a delicious and zesty dish that's incredibly easy to prepare. With its bright flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy this refreshing pasta dish with a side salad or a piece of crusty bread for a complete meal.