Healthy Spinach Pasta

✅ Servings: 4
✅ Prep Time: 10 minutes
✅ Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat or chickpea pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (plus extra for garnish)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan option)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 cup walnuts or pine nuts (optional, for crunch)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine spinach, almond milk, Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
4. Combine Everything: Pour the spinach sauce into the pan with garlic. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to loosen it.
5. Final Touches: Stir in walnuts or pine nuts for extra crunch (optional). Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with extra spinach, Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon.

Tips & Variations

🥑 Make it Creamier: Add a small ripe avocado to the blender.
🌿 Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
🍅 Boost Flavor: Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms.