Pasta with Spinach Sauce
This Pasta with Spinach Sauce is a delightful dish that will quickly become a family favorite. In just under 15 minutes, you can create a creamy, flavorful meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This pasta dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients from fresh spinach, making it a wholesome choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to serve a delicious meal even on your busiest nights.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese and parmesan creates a rich sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Packed with Nutrition: Fresh spinach provides vitamins and minerals, making this dish both tasty and healthy.
- Versatile Options: You can easily swap out the pasta type or add protein like chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting flavors, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather all necessary tools before you start. Here’s what you’ll need.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Pasta strainer
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta evenly until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.
- Skillet: Ideal for sautéing garlic and wilting spinach; it allows for easy mixing with the pasta later on.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your non-stick cookware while combining ingredients.
Ingredients
This simple pasta with spinach is fast, easy and delicious. It’s ready in less than 15 minutes and makes a weeknight meal the whole family will love: creamy, packed with spinach, and convenient. Recipe yields 4 medium-sized servings.
- 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
How to Make Pasta with Spinach Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook your pasta until al dente following the package directions.
- Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for about 1 or 2 minutes until fragrant (make sure you don’t burn it).
Step 3: Add Spinach
- Add part of the spinach and season with salt.
- Stir until wilted adding handfuls of spinach at a time.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
- When the spinach is wilted but still bright green, stir in cream cheese and 1/3 cup of reserved pasta cooking water.
- Then add grated parmesan cheese and nutmeg to the sauce; mix well until combined.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Drain your cooked pasta, then add it to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until well combined.
Step 6: Serve
Serve immediately drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
How to Serve Pasta with Spinach Sauce
Serving pasta with spinach sauce is a delightful way to enjoy a comforting meal. This dish pairs well with various toppings and sides that enhance its flavors.
Add a Protein
- Grilled Chicken: Slice grilled chicken breast on top for added protein.
- Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp provides a seafood twist and complements the creamy sauce.
Fresh Herbs
- Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and brightens the dish.
Extra Cheese
- Feta Crumbles: Feta cheese introduces a tangy element that contrasts nicely with the spinach.
- Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella on top creates a gooey texture that everyone loves.
Nuts and Seeds
- Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts give a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Pumpkin Seeds: For a healthy crunch, sprinkle roasted pumpkin seeds as a topping.
How to Perfect Pasta with Spinach Sauce
To ensure your pasta with spinach sauce turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Flavoring: Use fresh garlic for a stronger taste compared to powdered varieties.
- Creamy Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water until desired creaminess is reached.
- Seasoning Balance: Taste the sauce before serving; adjust salt and pepper for optimal flavor.
- Cooked Pasta Timing: Add cooked pasta to the sauce immediately after draining for better absorption of flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Pasta with Spinach Sauce
Pairing side dishes with pasta enhances your meal’s overall experience. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for dipping in leftover sauce.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil complement the pasta beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers add color and nutrition.
- Caesar Salad: The crunchy romaine lettuce and creamy dressing provide contrast in textures.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli brings additional greens and nutrients to your plate.
- Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cheeses, and cured meats enhances your dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pasta with Spinach Sauce, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Skipping the pasta water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water. It helps to adjust the sauce consistency by adding moisture and flavor.
- Overcooking the garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, leading to a bitter taste. Sauté it just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Not seasoning enough: Seasoning is crucial. Don’t forget to add salt at various stages of cooking for maximum flavor.
- Using cold cream cheese: Cold cream cheese doesn’t mix well with hot ingredients. Let it come to room temperature first for a smoother sauce.
- Rushing the spinach: Adding all the spinach at once can make it hard to wilt properly. Add it in batches for even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pasta with spinach sauce in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pasta with Spinach Sauce
- You can freeze the pasta with spinach sauce for up to 2 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating Pasta with Spinach Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each interval until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed, and stir until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Pasta with Spinach Sauce.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the sauce.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Any type of pasta will work well, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Choose your favorite!
How do I make this dish vegan?
To make vegan Pasta with Spinach Sauce, substitute cream cheese and parmesan cheese with plant-based alternatives.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can be added for extra protein and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta with Spinach Sauce is not only quick and easy but also versatile enough for any weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Try this delightful recipe today and enjoy a comforting meal that everyone will love!
Pasta with Spinach Sauce
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Pasta with Spinach Sauce is a scrumptious, creamy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a delightful meal that the whole family will enjoy. This vibrant green pasta is not only fast to prepare but also packs a nutritional punch thanks to fresh spinach. The creamy sauce, made from cream cheese and parmesan, envelops the pasta beautifully, making each bite satisfying and flavorful. You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite protein or switching up the pasta type. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a cozy gathering, Pasta with Spinach Sauce is sure to please.
Ingredients
- 8oz (225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2–3 garlic cloves
- 9oz (250g) baby spinach
- 5oz (140g) cream cheese
- 1oz (30g) grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add spinach in batches, seasoning with salt until wilted.
- Stir in cream cheese and reserved pasta water; add parmesan and mix well.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet; toss until coated.
- Serve immediately with black pepper and extra parmesan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
