Creamy Pasta with Spinach Recipe: A Weeknight Wonder

Twirling fork-friendly pasta with spinach creates a delightful culinary adventure for health-conscious cooks.

Vibrant green leaves dance between noodle strands, promising incredible flavor and nutrition.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that delight everyone at the table.

Leafy spinach brings incredible minerals and rich color to this simple dish.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients combine effortlessly, making meal preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum taste without complicated techniques or extensive cooking skills.

Smart home chefs understand that delicious meals can emerge from basic pantry staples.

This recipe will inspire you to transform ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Pasta with Spinach That Feels Just Right

• Packed with fresh spinach, this dish delivers a healthy punch of vitamins and minerals, transforming a simple pasta into a nutrient-rich meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adding protein like chicken or shrimp, switching cheeses, or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Requires just a handful of basic pantry staples, meaning you can create a delicious meal without a complicated grocery run or expensive specialty ingredients.

Ingredients for Pasta with Spinach

• Pasta: Hearty base for the dish, choose a shape that holds sauce well like penne or fusilli.
• Pasta Water: Starchy liquid helps create smooth sauce and bind ingredients.

• Olive Oil: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté ingredients smoothly.
• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor to the entire dish, fresh is best.

• Spinach: Fresh green that wilts quickly, brings nutritional value and color to the pasta.

• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient for creating a richer, smoother sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic element that balances the richness of the dish.

• Salt: Essential for enhancing overall flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the dish.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides optional spicy kick.
• Extra Olive Oil: Adds finishing shine and flavor.

Quick Guide to Pasta with Spinach Perfection

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Toss in pasta and cook until tender but still firm. Scoop out some pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatic Base

• Minced garlic
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauté until garlic becomes fragrant and golden around the edges.

Step 3: Wilt Fresh Spinach

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until spinach collapses completely, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

Lower heat and introduce heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until sauce slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Spinach

Slide cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together, allowing pasta to absorb those incredible flavors. If mixture seems dry, splash in reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Finish with Flavor Boosters

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Squeeze fresh lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust seasonings.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Transfer pasta to serving dishes. Top with extra Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or additional red pepper flakes if desired.

Buon appetito!

Spinach Pasta Tips for a Balanced Bite

• Customize Pasta Water: Save some starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that coats the noodles perfectly without drying out.
• Prevent Wilting Spinach: Add spinach gradually and stir quickly to ensure even cooking and maintain its vibrant green color without becoming mushy.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast garlic briefly to release its aromatic oils and enhance the overall taste of the dish without burning.
• Adjust Consistency Smartly: Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, creating a glossy and well-integrated mixture.
• Balance Creamy Options: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining richness.

Save and Serve Spinach Pasta Again and Again

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking and restore moisture. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water on top, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Pasta can quickly become dry or mushy, so reheat gently and stir frequently to maintain texture and prevent burning.

Pairings That Elevate Spinach Pasta Dishes

• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy spinach pasta, offering bright citrus notes that complement the lemon juice and enhance the dish's fresh flavors.
• Toasted artisan bread provides a crunchy texture contrast to the silky pasta, while absorbing the delicate garlic and spinach sauce for an extra flavor boost.
• Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds peppery brightness and cleanses the palate, balancing the richness of the Parmesan and potential cream sauce.
• Lean protein adds substance to the vegetarian pasta, creating a more filling meal while maintaining the dish's delicate herbal and creamy undertones.

Try These Twists on Classic Spinach Pasta

• Vegan Veggie Twist: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta. Swap heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for cheesy flavor.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu to increase protein content. Incorporate white beans or chickpeas for plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Garden Blend: Use gluten-free pasta like rice or quinoa noodles. Select certified gluten-free ingredients. Add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers or mushrooms for depth.
• Low-Carb Leafy Green Option: Substitute pasta with spiralized vegetable noodles like butternut squash or cauliflower noodles. Include lean protein such as grilled salmon or turkey. Season generously with herbs and spices for enhanced flavor profile.

Pasta With Spinach Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy spinach pasta delivers comfort in a bowl, blending Italian culinary traditions with wholesome ingredients. Quick and simple preparation ensures delightful flavors you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
• Salt (for pasta water)

Spinach Sauce Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh spinach (about 5–6 cups, loosely packed)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for a creamier version)
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Garnish (Optional):

• Red pepper flakes
• Additional Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Fill a capacious pot with water, generously season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, following package guidelines.
2. Extract 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining. Set cooked pasta aside in a separate container.
3. Warm olive oil in a expansive skillet over moderate heat. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic and translucent.
4. Cascade fresh spinach into the skillet, allowing leaves to wilt gracefully. Season with salt and cracked pepper, stirring occasionally until greens become tender and vibrant.
5. For a luxurious variation, reduce flame and incorporate heavy cream. Gently simmer, allowing sauce to thicken slightly and develop rich undertones.
6. Transfer drained pasta directly into the spinach-laden skillet. Toss ingredients together, ensuring even distribution. Should the mixture appear parched, introduce reserved pasta water to create silky consistency.
7. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan and a bright splash of lemon juice. Taste and recalibrate seasoning as needed.
8. Artfully distribute pasta among serving plates. Embellish with additional Parmesan shavings, crushed red pepper flakes, or a delicate drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Salt water generously and stir occasionally to prevent sticking, ensuring each strand cooks evenly and absorbs maximum flavor.
• Prevent Soggy Spinach: Pat spinach dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture, which can make the dish watery and dilute the intense green color.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream for vegan versions, or use gluten-free pasta for gluten-sensitive diners.
• Boost Protein Options: Enhance the dish by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu for a more substantial and protein-packed meal that satisfies different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg