Name: Spinach Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 ounces dry spaghetti; 4 garlic cloves, sliced; 1/2 cup parsley leaves, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup spinach leaves, minced; pinch red pepper flakes

Spinach Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Leyla Shamayeva, MS, RD

Updated on November 18, 2021

Medically reviewed by

Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN

(210 ratings)

Total Time: 15 min

Prep Time: 5 min

Cook Time: 10 min

Servings: 2 (1 cup each)

Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

290 calories

8g fat

45g carbs

10g protein

Show Nutrition Label

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2 (1 cup each)
Amount per serving
Calories	290
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 8g	10%
Saturated Fat 1g	5%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 41mg	2%
Total Carbohydrate 45g	16%
Dietary Fiber 4g	14%
Total Sugars 1g
Includes 0g Added Sugars	0%
Protein 10g
Vitamin D 0mcg	0%
Calcium 78mg	6%
Iron 4mg	22%
Potassium 376mg	8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Jazz up this Italian-inspired pasta dish with spinach for a plethora of added vitamins and minerals. You'll get heart-health benefits from minerals like magnesium, important for a healthy heartbeat, and vitamins like folate, which may help reduce cardiovascular disease risk. The dark leafy green also offers compounds shown to protect your cells from damage and inflammation, and it's an easy way to add some veggies to your meal.

This meal is one to make after a long day—it's not as time consuming, it's likely healthier and cheaper than take-out, and it offers a traditional comfort food aspect you're likely craving in the evening.

Ingredients

4 ounces dry spaghetti
4 garlic cloves, sliced
1/2 cup parsley leaves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup spinach leaves, minced
pinch red pepper flakes

Preparation

Prepare and drain spaghetti according to package directions. Don't forget to salt your water and work on preparing the other ingredients while the spaghetti is on the stove.
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for about 2 minutes.
Add the cooked and drained spaghetti to the skillet and mix until incorporated with the oil and garlic.
Add the parsley and spinach, stir until well combined. Let cook for another 2 minutes before turning off the heat and plating.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

You can use a different type of pasta—fettuccine, linguine, even macaroni or penne—in equal amounts (4 ounces). A different dark leafy green such as kale, collards, or Swiss chard will work as well.

Cooking and Serving Tips

This is a perfect side dish for freshly made grilled chicken or salmon (if you have the time). Leftovers work, too.

You can also enjoy the dish on its own. Despite being a simple meal, you can enhance the presentation to make it more enjoyable. Use a nice plate, garnish with additional parsley leaves, and practice mindful eating while you enjoy every bite.

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