introduction
Pasta with Spinach Sauce is a quick, creamy dish that uses simple ingredients. It cooks fast and tastes fresh. If you want a small bright touch on the side, try a tangy apple cider vinegar recipe to serve beside it.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you need a fast, healthy meal. It uses pantry staples and a bag of spinach. It fills you up without heavy work. You can also try it with a light dressing like a bright vinegar dressing idea for contrast.
how to make Pasta with Spinach Sauce
This method is simple and clear. Cook pasta, wilt spinach, mix in cream cheese and parmesan, then toss with pasta.
Follow the directions below step by step. If you want a small extra kick, consider a touch from a quick vinegar mix to brighten the 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
Directions :
- 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 nutmeg 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 with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, black pepper and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy.
how to serve Pasta with Spinach Sauce
Serve hot right after you toss the pasta in the sauce. Add extra grated parmesan and a grind of black pepper on top. A crisp salad works well, or a small bright side like an apple cider vinegar drizzle to cut the creaminess.
how to store Pasta with Spinach Sauce
Cool the pasta to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze this dish — cream cheese can change texture when frozen.
tips to make Pasta with Spinach Sauce
- Cook pasta just to al dente; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Save some pasta water to reach the right sauce thickness.
- Use fresh grated parmesan for best flavor.
- If the sauce is too thick, add small amounts of reserved pasta water until smooth.
- For a brighter edge, add a few drops from an apple cider vinegar mix just before serving, if you like a tangy note.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein.
- Stir in lemon zest for fresh flavor.
- Swap cream cheese for ricotta for a lighter texture.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes. Thaw and squeeze out extra water, then add it to the skillet as in the directions.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: Use dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan parmesan alternative. The method stays the same.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: You can make the sauce and chill it, but reheat gently and add a little water to loosen it before tossing with pasta.
Q: How do I stop garlic from burning?
A: Cook garlic on medium heat and watch it closely. Remove the pan from heat if it starts to brown too fast.
Q: What pasta shape is best?
A: Any shape works. Short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but spaghetti is fine too.
Pasta with Spinach Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- 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.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for about 1 or 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- 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 reserved pasta cooking water.
- Then add grated parmesan cheese and nutmeg, giving a good stir. The sauce will be ready in a couple of minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing to combine.
- Serve immediately with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a grind of black pepper, and freshly grated parmesan cheese.