Looking for a quick, delicious, and creamy pasta recipe? This creamy spinach pasta is a perfect blend of fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan in a rich sauce, all ready in under 30 minutes! Ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, this easy pasta recipe brings together al dente pasta with a flavorful spinach sauce that’s creamy and satisfying. Learn how to make this creamy garlic and spinach pasta that’s both vegetarian and kid-friendly. Plus, get tips on variations, substitutions, and serving ideas to make this recipe your own.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz (225 grams) pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, etc.)
Spinach Sauce
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
- 2–3 garlic cloves, finely sliced or minced
- 9 oz (250 grams) baby spinach, washed
- ¼ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
- 5 oz (140 grams) cream cheese
- 1 oz (30 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (or ⅓ of a whole nutmeg grated, or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare your pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve at least ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant (take care not to let it burn).
- Wilt the Spinach: Gradually add the spinach, sprinkling in salt, and stir until each batch is wilted but still vibrant green.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the cream cheese and about ⅓ cup of the reserved pasta water (you can add more later if needed to reach your desired consistency). Add the Parmesan and nutmeg, stirring well to blend everything into a creamy sauce.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If needed, add a bit more pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Serve: Divide the pasta into serving bowls, and top with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy spinach pasta is simple, comforting, and full of flavor. The creamy sauce balances the fresh, slightly earthy taste of spinach with the rich creaminess of Parmesan and a hint of nutmeg. It’s a quick yet sophisticated meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Cooking garlic just until it’s fragrant (about 1–2 minutes) brings out its flavor without the risk of bitterness from burning.
- Add Spinach Gradually: Adding a handful at a time makes it easier to wilt and integrate into the sauce.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: Reserve extra pasta water to adjust the thickness as you mix the pasta with the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
- Different Greens: Try using kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
- Add Protein: For a heartier dish, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes, thaw it first and drain any excess water to avoid watering down the sauce.
Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat and add a bit of pasta water to restore its creaminess before serving.
Serving and Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. For a special touch, serve with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
Leave a Reply