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
Scale
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.
