Vegan Spinach Garlic Pasta
A quick and satisfying vegan pasta dish loaded with fresh spinach and aromatic garlic, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, etc.)
Vegetable Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- a pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- Vegan parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
Cooking Your Pasta
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to save a cup of the pasta water for later!
Sautéing the Garlic
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes. Just be careful not to burn it; we want 'golden brown,' not 'charcoal black.'
Adding the Spinach
- Toss the chopped spinach into the skillet with the garlic. Cook until wilted, which should take about 3-4 minutes. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this stage.
Combining Ingredients
- Drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the garlic and spinach. Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water to create a light sauce, mixing everything together. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serving
- Dish out the pasta and sprinkle with vegan parmesan cheese if desired. Trust me, it takes it to the next level!
Notes
For a creamier sauce, stir in some coconut milk or cashew cream when mixing the pasta. You can also customize the dish by adding your favorite veggies like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers. To bulk it up with extra protein, consider adding chickpeas or white beans.