Enjoy a delightful and nutritious meal with this Creamy Pasta with Spinach Sauce. Combining tender pasta with a rich, creamy spinach sauce, this dish is both satisfying and easy to make. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a flavorful and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or your preferred type)
For the Spinach Sauce:
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, plus more to serve
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced or minced
- 9 oz (250 grams) baby spinach, washed
- 1/4 tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
- 5 oz (140 grams) cream cheese
- 1 oz (30 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, or 1/3 of freshly grated nutmeg, or according to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Drop the pasta into boiling water and cook it following the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Spinach Sauce:
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the finely sliced or minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the washed baby spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with 1/4 tsp fine salt.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and combines with the spinach.
- Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated.
- Season the sauce with ground nutmeg and black pepper to taste. Adjust the salt if necessary.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve:
- Divide the pasta among serving plates. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the creamy, savory goodness of the dish.
Conclusion
This Creamy Pasta with Spinach Sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the rich flavors of cheese and garlic with the nutritious goodness of spinach. Perfect for any occasion, this pasta dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the comforting and wholesome flavors of this delightful recipe!