Spinach Pasta with Za’atar, Lemon, and Parsley Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful spinach pasta dish featuring fragrant za’atar, zesty lemon, fresh parsley, and a touch of parmesan cheese. This quick and easy meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, combining tender pasta with a garlicky spinach sauce enhanced by fragrant Middle Eastern spices and a bright citrus finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1/2 pound spaghetti (or other long, thin pasta)
- Kosher salt (for pasta water)
Sauce
- 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
- 1/2 cup to 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 9 minutes. Reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Soften the garlic: In a large pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and stir continuously until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the lemon juice and approximately 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to the pan. Add the baby spinach in batches, stirring to wilt. Season with a pinch of salt as you go. Continue until all spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes. Stir in the red pepper flakes and 1 tablespoon of za’atar.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the spinach mixture. Toss to combine thoroughly. Stir in the remaining za’atar, grated parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. If the pasta seems dry, add additional olive oil or a splash of pasta water until the pasta is glossy and well coated.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra parmesan cheese and za’atar as desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help coat the pasta better.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest to enhance brightness and balance richness from olive oil and cheese.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Za’atar adds a unique Middle Eastern flavor; if unavailable, a mixture of thyme, oregano, and sesame seeds can be used as a substitute.
- For a vegan version, omit parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
