1-Getting spaghetti and spinach ready is straightforward and fun, especially when you follow these clear steps. Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large deep frying pan over medium-high heat, which sets the base for the flavors. Add 3 sliced garlic cloves and cook them until softened but not browned, taking about a minute to build that savory aroma.

2-Next, toss in the 16 ounces of fresh baby spinach that’s already washed, and sauté it with the garlic until it wilts down, which happens quickly. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste, then remove it from the heat to lock in the freshness. While that’s cooking, prepare 1 pound of spaghetti according to the package instructions, making sure to reserve one cup of pasta water before draining it.

3-In a food processor or blender, combine the spinach and garlic mixture with ½ cup of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese and half of the reserved pasta water. Puree everything until it forms a smooth sauce, adding more pasta water as needed to get the consistency you like. Return the sauce to the pan, mix it with the cooked spaghetti, and heat through, adjusting with extra pasta water if it seems too thick.

4-Finally, taste the dish and season with more salt and pepper if needed, then serve it up with extra grated cheese on top. This whole process takes just 15 minutes total, with 5 minutes for prep and 10 for cooking, making it ideal for busy nights. For more ideas on pasta dishes, you can check out our post on turkey carcass soup that uses simple ingredients in creative ways.