Pasta with Spinach Sauce Recipe
This easy creamy spinach pasta recipe in 20 minutes is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight. It delivers a rich, velvety sauce with minimal effort, using simple ingredients you likely have on hand. For another quick veggie-packed meal, try this Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe Easy. Let’s get cooking!
Pasta with Spinach Sauce
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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).
- Add part of the spinach and season with salt. Stir until wilted adding handful of spinach at a time.
- When the spinach are wilted but still bright green, stir in cream cheese and 1/3 cup of pasta cooking water (don't add all the reserved water straight away, but save the rest in case you need to loosen the sauce when you add pasta to the skillet).
- Then add grated parmesan cheese and nutmet to the sauce and give a good stir. The sauce will be ready in a couple of minutes.
- Drain pasta, add to the skillet and toss to combine. Serve immediately ¼with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, black pepper and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach for this Quick Spinach Pasta?
Yes, frozen spinach works perfectly. Thaw and thoroughly squeeze out all excess water before adding it to the pan. This prevents your Quick Spinach Pasta from becoming watery.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle are ideal. They hold the creamy spinach sauce well. You can use any pasta you have on hand for this versatile Quick Spinach Pasta.
How can I add protein to this dish?
For a protein boost, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans to the sauce. Simply stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
