Pasta with Spinach Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together in no time and offers a healthy dose of greens. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something nourishing but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With the addition of cream cheese and parmesan, you can create a luscious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully, making it a delightful meal for everyone. You may also find Creamy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta 2 useful.
Why cook this at home
Cooking this pasta dish at home provides a quick and satisfying meal option that’s both budget-friendly and nutritious. You get to enjoy fresh ingredients and personalize the flavors to your taste. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some greens, making it a suitable choice for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Preparing Pasta with Spinach Sauce
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add spinach and allow it to wilt.
- Mix in cream cheese and pasta water.
- Combine the pasta with the spinach sauce.
Key ingredients
- 8oz (225 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti…)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, plus more to serve
- 2-3 garlic cloves, finely sliced or minced
- 9oz (250 grams) baby spinach, washed
- ¼ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
- 5oz (140 grams) cream cheese
- 1oz (30 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, or ⅓ of freshly grated nutmeg, or according to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
This recipe is adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or even include some protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
How to prepare it
- Cook your pasta until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for about 1 or 2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
- Add part of the spinach and season with salt. Stir until wilted, adding handfuls of spinach at a time.
- When the spinach is wilted but still bright green, stir in the cream cheese and 1/3 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water, saving the rest in case you need to loosen the sauce when you add the pasta to the skillet.
- Then add the grated parmesan cheese and nutmeg to the sauce, stirring well. The sauce will be ready in a couple of minutes.
- Drain the pasta, add it to the skillet, and toss everything together.
What to serve it with
This dish pairs well with a light side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. For those looking to add protein, grilled chicken or shrimp can enhance the dish further. If you enjoy Mediterranean flavors, it also works beautifully alongside dishes like chicken shawarma.
How to store and freeze
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If freezing, it’s best to do so before adding dairy; keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Tips for best results
- Use a good quality olive oil for enhanced flavor.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, gradually add more pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Fresh spinach works best, but you can use frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture.
- Consider sprinkling additional parmesan or a dash of chili flakes for some extra kick.
Creative twists
- Swap out the baby spinach for kale or another leafy green.
- For a richer flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some roasted red peppers or olives for added complexity.
- Create a creamy vegan version by using cashew cream instead of cream cheese and non-dairy parmesan.
Your questions answered
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely, whole wheat pasta can add a nutty flavor and additional fiber to this dish.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute with Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese alternative for a similar creamy effect.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The cooking time is typically around 20-30 minutes, depending on the pasta.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and just toss it with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
This Pasta with Spinach Sauce is not just easy to make; it’s also adaptable enough to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Try your hand at it, and don’t hesitate to share your variations!
PrintPasta with Spinach Sauce
A quick and flavorful pasta dish with a creamy spinach sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or extra virgin olive oil
- 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
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, or ⅓ of freshly grated nutmeg
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add spinach and season with salt, stirring until wilted.
- Stir in cream cheese and 1/3 cup of reserved pasta cooking water.
- Mix in grated parmesan cheese and nutmeg.
- Drain the pasta, add it to the skillet, and toss everything together.
Notes
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, do so before adding dairy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
