Za'atar Garlic Spinach Pasta
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound spaghetti)
( or other thin pasta
- Kosher salt
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 to 6 large garlic cloves)
(minced
- 12 ounces baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 to 4 tablespoons za'atar)
(divided
- Parmesan cheese
to your liking ), (shredded
- 1 lemon)
(zest and juice
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season well with kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook according to al dante according to package instructions (about 8 to 9 minutes). You will need 1 cup or so of the cooking water later.
- 2
When the pasta is nearly done, work on the olive oil sauce and the spinach. In a large pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat and add the garlic. Cook briefly until the garlic is fragrant (you want some color but do not burn the garlic). Add a little bit of the pasta cooking water (start with ½ cup and add more as needed), and lemon juice, then add the spinach in batches, seasoning with Kosher salt as you go. Toss the spinach and cook until it is fully wilted (about 5 minutes). Add crushed red peppers and.1 tablespoon of za’atar.
- 3
When the pasta is ready, drain, keeping a little bit more of the cooking water still.
- 4
Add the pasta to the pan of spinach and toss everything to combine. Add the remaining za’atar, cheese, lemon zest, and parsley. Toss until everything is well-combined. And if you need to, add a little more olive oil or a bit of the pasta cooking water. Serve with more cheese and za’atar on the side (I know I always add more of both to my bowl).
Za'atar Garlic Spinach Pasta
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About this Recipe
Tired of the same old weeknight meals? This Za'atar Garlic Spinach Pasta offers a delightful escape, delivering vibrant, restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes. It's the perfect solution for when you crave something fresh, satisfying, and easy to prepare.
This recipe truly shines through its thoughtful blend of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. The generous amount of fresh garlic forms a robust base, while the earthy, tangy za'atar provides a unique aromatic depth. A bright finish comes from both lemon zest and juice, cutting through the richness of the extra virgin olive oil and balancing the warmth of red pepper flakes. It’s a sophisticated flavor profile that remains incredibly approachable.
When you sit down to this dish, you'll experience tender spaghetti enveloped in a lush, garlicky olive oil sauce. Each bite offers the subtle peppery notes of wilted baby spinach, the herbaceous complexity of za'atar, and a hint of zesty lemon. The shredded Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami richness and a pleasant chew, completing a meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. This pasta is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create extraordinary flavor without a lot of fuss.
Want to make it your own? Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your preferred level of spice. While spaghetti is suggested, any other thin pasta, like linguine or fettuccine, will work beautifully. You can also play with the amount of Parmesan cheese, adding anywhere from a half cup to a full cup, depending on how cheesy you like your pasta.
This Za'atar Garlic Spinach Pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or a flavorful vegetarian option at any gathering. Serve it warm, perhaps with a crusty piece of bread to sop up the delicious sauce.