Description
Craving something creamy, comforting, and nutritious? This Creamy Pasta with Spinach Sauce has got you covered! It’s a delightful blend of tender pasta, rich creaminess from cream cheese and Parmesan, and the fresh, earthy goodness of spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is your ticket to flavor-packed indulgence that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
For the pasta:
- 8 oz (225 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, or your preferred type).
For the spinach sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or extra virgin olive oil), plus extra for drizzling.
- 2–3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced.
- 9 oz (250 grams) baby spinach, washed.
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt, plus more to taste.
- 5 oz (140 grams) cream cheese.
- 1 oz (30 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or 1/3 freshly grated nutmeg, adjust to taste).
- Black pepper, to taste.
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Drop your pasta of choice into the boiling water and cook it according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water to use later if needed.
2. Sauté the Garlic
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced or minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Wilt the Spinach
- Add the baby spinach to the skillet and stir frequently until it wilts down, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle the spinach with 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt to enhance its flavor.
4. Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it melts and combines with the spinach.
- Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully incorporated, creating a smooth sauce.
- Season with ground nutmeg, black pepper, and more salt if needed. Adjust the flavors to your taste preference.
5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy spinach sauce.
- Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Divide the creamy spinach pasta among serving plates.
- Drizzle with a little extra olive oil for added richness and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious combination of creaminess and freshness in every bite!
Notes
- Pasta Options: This recipe works well with almost any type of pasta. Short pasta like penne or fusilli is perfect for capturing the creamy sauce, but long pasta like spaghetti or linguine also pairs beautifully.
- Add Protein: To make this a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
- Vegetable Variations: Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini for extra texture and flavor.
- Nut-Free: This recipe is nut-free but can be easily adapted to a dairy-free version by using plant-based cream cheese and Parmesan alternatives.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to refresh the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired