If you are searching for a luscious and comforting dish that sings with flavor, look no further than this Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of rich, velvety sauce and fresh, vibrant spinach all wrapped up with tender pasta. This dish has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to impress guests. Every bite delivers creamy goodness punctuated by aromatic herbs and a bright hint of lemon that keeps it from feeling heavy. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe, it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the dish’s irresistible flavor and creamy texture. From fragrant herbs to sharp Parmesan cheese, every element combines to create the comforting pasta you’ll soon be craving.
- Dried oregano, parsley, and mustard powder (½ teaspoon each): These herbs and spices build a subtle, layered flavor that makes the sauce truly special.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle earthy garlic note that enhances the fresh minced garlic’s punch.
- Salted butter (4 tablespoons): Provides the rich, silky base for your creamy sauce and helps meld all flavors together.
- Minced garlic (3 cloves): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth that perks up every forkful.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce perfectly, giving it that luxurious creaminess without being too heavy.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Brings depth and savory nuance, elevating this from an ordinary creamy sauce.
- Half and half (1 cup): The secret to that silky smooth texture – richness without overwhelming heaviness.
- Lemon juice (3 teaspoons): Adds a fresh, zesty tang that brightens the dish and balances the creaminess.
- Parmesan cheese (¾ cup, finely grated): Provides a salty, nutty finish and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- Spinach (1 ½ cups): Adds vibrant color, freshness, and a mild earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce exquisitely.
- Ziti rigati, or penne (½ pound): These pasta shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Boil Pasta
Kick things off by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this is crucial as it seasons the pasta from the inside out. While the water heats, measure out all your spices, grate the Parmesan cheese, mince the garlic, and wash your spinach. Preparing these components ahead keeps the cooking smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Once the water is boiling, add your ziti rigati or penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Perfectly cooked pasta is key because it will absorb and hold the creamy sauce just right without becoming mushy. Drain the pasta and set it aside, saving a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the salted butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—this takes about one minute and fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste out and create a smooth roux. Slowly add the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps, followed by the half and half. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; it should thicken beautifully while you stir.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Spinach
Now it’s time to stir in the dried oregano, parsley, mustard powder, and garlic powder. These herbs add depth without overpowering the creaminess. Next, mix in the lemon juice and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes luscious and creamy. Finally, add the spinach; it will quickly wilt into the sauce, adding freshness and lively green color that makes this dish so inviting.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Gently toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with your sauce. Coat every piece thoroughly to ensure the perfect ratio of sauce to pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it just a bit. Give everything one last stir to marry those flavors together beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a scattering of chopped fresh parsley brighten both the look and taste just before serving. For a little extra pop, you might add a few red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for richness and dimension.
Side Dishes
Pair your creamy spinach pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is another perfect companion, ideal for mopping up every last drop of that sublime sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, serve the pasta in small individual bowls, topped with a sprig of fresh herbs or edible flowers. You can also bake the pasta with extra cheese on top for a golden crust or toss in some grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms to elevate the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the sauce from thickening too much, add a splash of milk when reheating.
Freezing
While this dish tastes freshest freshly made, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove to retain that smooth texture.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta over low heat on the stove, stirring often and adding a little milk or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. This method preserves the creamy consistency and prevents the spinach from turning overly wilted.
FAQs
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh oregano and parsley will brighten the dish even more, just use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried, as dried are more concentrated.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for the half and half?
You can swap half and half with full-fat coconut milk or a blend of unsweetened almond milk and cashew cream to mimic creaminess and keep the dish dairy-free.
What pasta can I use if I don’t have ziti rigati or penne?
Any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work wonderfully since they hold onto the creamy sauce well.
Can I add protein to the Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits add great texture and protein, making the dish more filling and perfect for a hearty meal.
How can I make this pasta more vibrant green?
Use baby spinach or add a handful of fresh basil at the end of cooking. Just be sure to stir them in gently to maintain their bright color and fresh flavor.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe because it’s truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in beautiful flavors. Its creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta make each bite a delight. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite—enjoy every luscious forkful!
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Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Spinach Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with fresh spinach and a bright hint of lemon. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines the flavors of Parmesan cheese and herbs to create a satisfying meal anyone will love.
Ingredients
Spices and Herbs
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Butter and Garlic
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half (half milk, half cream)
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Vegetables
- 1 ½ cups fresh spinach
Pasta
- ½ pound ziti rigati (penne works well too)
Instructions
- Prep Work: Heat salted water in a large pot for cooking the pasta. Meanwhile, measure out all ingredients to streamline the cooking process as this recipe moves quickly.
- Cook Pasta: Once the water reaches a boil, add the ziti rigati and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- Make the Sauce Base: In a large skillet, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth followed by the half and half, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season Sauce: Stir in the dried oregano, parsley, mustard powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, and the finely grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the cheese to melt fully into the sauce, stirring continuously.
- Incorporate Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted and incorporated, roughly 2-3 minutes.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately warm for a creamy, flavorful pasta dish.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Penne works well as an alternative to ziti rigati.
- Keep an eye on garlic while sautéing to avoid burning and bitterness.
- This dish pairs nicely with a crisp white wine or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
