Quick Pasta Pick Me Up

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with "Quick Pasta Pick Me Up," a vibrant and satisfying dish that comes together in just 25 minutes! Featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a light and zesty garlic and olive oil sauce, this recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients like juicy cherry tomatoes, nutrient-rich baby spinach, and a hint of red chili flakes for subtle heat. A finishing touch of freshly grated Parmesan, fragrant lemon zest, and optional basil garnish makes every bite a refreshing burst of flavor. Perfect for busy days or when you crave a comforting yet light pasta dish, this quick and easy recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Ideal for two servings, it’s the ultimate combination of simplicity and taste.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 200 grams spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 200 grams cherry tomatoes, halved
• 100 grams baby spinach leaves
• 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0 to taste salt
• 0 to taste black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 whole lemon, zest and juice
• 5 leaves fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes and chili flakes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 5

Add the baby spinach to the skillet. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 7

Season the pasta with salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon zest, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Toss to combine.

Step 8

Divide the pasta between serving plates and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Step 9

Serve immediately and enjoy your Quick Pasta Pick Me Up!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	656 grams (656.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	867

Total Fat 46.00g	59%
Saturated Fat 14.80g	74%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 50mg	17%
Sodium 3306mg	144%
Total Carbohydrate 83.50g	30%
Dietary Fiber 11.20g	40%
Total Sugars 8.90g
Protein 38.00g	76%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 736mg	57%
Iron 8mg	43%
Potassium 1277mg	27%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.0%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 37.1%