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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Extract 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining. Set cooked pasta aside in a separate container.
- Warm olive oil in a expansive skillet over moderate heat. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic and translucent.
- 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.
- For a luxurious variation, reduce flame and incorporate heavy cream. Gently simmer, allowing sauce to thicken slightly and develop rich undertones.
- 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.
- Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan and a bright splash of lemon juice. Taste and recalibrate seasoning as needed.
- 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