Spinach Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
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.
DiNicolantonio JJ, Liu J, O’Keefe JH. Magnesium for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Open Heart. 2018;5(2):e000775. doi:10.1136/openhrt-2018-000775
Brouwer-Brolsma EM, Brandl B, Buso MEC, Skurk T, Manach C. Food intake biomarkers for green leafy vegetables, bulb vegetables, and stem vegetables: a review. Genes Nutr. 2020;15(1):7. doi:10.1186/s12263-020-00667-z