Quick Pasta Dinner
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Quick Pasta Dinner
This garlicky greens pasta recipe is a vibrant, healthy pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s packed with nutritious greens and fragrant garlic, making it an ideal easy weeknight dinner. You’ll love how the savory garlic pasta dish balances simplicity with deeply satisfying flavor.
I first fell for this combination of pasta and garlicky greens while traveling through the Italian countryside, where simple, fresh ingredients are always the star. The aroma of garlic sautéing in olive oil is a scent I associate with cozy, happy kitchens and meals shared with good company. I often serve this quick pasta meal alongside a simple green salad or with a slice of my cheesy garlic bliss bread for a truly comforting vegetarian pasta experience. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
Why This Pasta Is a Weeknight Hero
- Incredibly Quick: You can have this healthy pasta recipe on the table in less than half an hour.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with your choice of greens, it’s a delicious way to eat more vegetables.
- Customizable Base: This garlic pasta dish is a perfect canvas for adding proteins like shrimp or chickpeas.
- Family-Friendly: Its simple, savory flavors are a hit with both adults and kids alike.
Ingredients for Your Perfect Garlicky Greens Pasta
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
For the Pasta and Greens
- Pasta: Use a short shape like penne or fusilli to hold the sauce well.
- Fresh Greens: Kale, spinach, or Swiss chard all work beautifully in this vegetarian pasta.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor in this quick pasta meal.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil forms the base of the simple sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a subtle warmth that complements the greens.
- Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors at the end.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, umami finish that brings everything together.
Garlicky Greens Pasta
Try this easy garlicky greens pasta recipe – a quick 30-minute vegetarian meal with nutritious leafy greens in a savory garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- oven
- baking sheet
- electric mixer
- whisk
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- shallow bowl
- wire rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat just until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a soft, uniform dough forms with no visible streaks of flour. The dough will be slightly sticky.
- Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Scoop out 1 tablespoon of dough, roll it between your palms into a 1-inch ball, then roll it generously in the powdered sugar until completely coated.
- Arrange the coated dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cookies are set around the edges but still soft in the center. They will develop characteristic crinkled tops.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Delicious Ways to Make It Your Own
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas, white beans, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.
- Creamy Version: Finish the dish with a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
- Extra Veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes along with the greens for more depth.
My Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection
- Salt Your Water: Cook the pasta in well-salted water, as this is your main chance to season it from within.
- Don’t Overcook Greens: Add hearty greens like kale a few minutes before tender greens like spinach to avoid mushiness.
- Toast the Garlic: Cook the garlic gently until fragrant but not brown to prevent a bitter taste.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Save a cup of the starchy cooking water to help create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
How to Store and Reheat Your Pasta
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The greens may darken slightly but will still taste great.
- Freeze: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the greens, which can become watery upon thawing.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can wash and chop the greens ahead of time to make this easy weeknight dinner even faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to good garlic pasta?
The secret is to gently toast the garlic in olive oil until it’s fragrant but not browned. This develops a sweet, mellow flavor without any bitterness. Using freshly minced garlic and salting your pasta water well are also key steps for the best garlicky greens pasta recipe.
What greens are best for pasta?
Heartier greens like kale, collards, or Swiss chard hold up well, while tender greens like spinach or arugula wilt quickly. For a mix of textures, I often combine them, adding the sturdy greens first and the tender ones at the last minute. This healthy pasta recipe is versatile, so use what you have on hand.
Can I add protein to this vegetarian pasta?
Absolutely. For a heartier meal, add canned chickpeas, white beans, or pan-seared tofu. If you’re not strictly vegetarian, this garlic pasta dish pairs wonderfully with grilled shrimp or chicken, similar to what you’d find in my shrimp burrata spaghetti.
How do you keep garlic pasta from being dry?
The key is to reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. When you combine the pasta with the greens and garlic oil, add the water a little at a time until you achieve a light, silky sauce that coats every noodle. This transforms it from a dry dish into a luxurious quick pasta meal.
More Delicious Pasta Dishes to Try
Why This Garlicky Greens Pasta Recipe Wins
With its vibrant greens and aromatic garlic, this dish proves that a healthy pasta recipe can be incredibly satisfying and quick to prepare. It’s the perfect solution for those busy nights when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope this garlicky greens pasta recipe becomes a cherished favorite in your home, just as it is in mine.
