If you are craving a pasta dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, this Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender pasta enveloped in a luscious, garlicky, and cheesy sauce, brightened up by fresh spinach and a hint of lemon. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a comforting homemade meal, this recipe hits all the marks for being delightfully creamy while staying fresh and satisfying in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, familiar, and work harmoniously to create a balanced flavor and texture that makes this dish so irresistible. From the fragrant garlic and herbs to the creamy blend of half and half with cheese, each element has an important job in making this pasta shine.
- Dried oregano, parsley, mustard powder (½ teaspoon each): Adds earthy and slightly tangy herbal notes that deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the garlic presence without overpowering, layering the savory taste beautifully.
- Salted butter (4 tablespoons): The base of the sauce, providing richness and helping develop a nutty aroma when browned.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Fresh garlic brings a vibrant, pungent kick that wakes up the creamy sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the sauce into that perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds depth and savoriness, preventing the sauce from being too heavy while keeping flavor alive.
- Half and half (1 cup): The secret to luscious creaminess without making the dish too heavy or rich.
- Lemon juice (3 teaspoons): Introduces a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated (¾ cup): Offers a salty, nutty finish that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Fresh spinach (1 ½ cups): Brings vibrant green color, healthy nutrients, and a mild, fresh flavor to balance the dish.
- Ziti rigati or penne (½ pound): The ideal pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and make every bite satisfyingly coated.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prep Everything Beforehand
Start by heating salted water for your pasta and measuring out all the ingredients. This recipe moves quickly, so having everything ready means smooth sailing without scrambling.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Add your ziti rigati to the boiling water right when you begin the sauce. Cook it until al dente, following the package instructions carefully to avoid overcooking. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Brown the Butter and Garlic
Melt the salted butter over medium-low heat in a skillet and let it gently heat for about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and fan yourself with the delicious aroma as the butter foams and develops a slight brown hue. Be sure to occasionally swirl the pan so you get that golden, nutty flavor without burning the garlic.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Crank the heat up to medium and whisk in the flour. Cook this mixture until it turns a darker golden brown and loses that raw flour smell, about 2 minutes. This step is crucial as it thickens the sauce and adds a lovely toasted note.
Step 5: Incorporate the Chicken Broth
Add the chicken broth slowly in splashes while stirring continuously. This ensures a smooth sauce without lumps and boosts the flavor foundation.
Step 6: Add the Half and Half and Seasonings
Pour in the half and half gradually, stirring to combine and create that silky texture. Follow this by mixing in your dried oregano, parsley, mustard powder, garlic powder, and fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice is a game-changer that brightens all the rich elements.
Step 7: Finish the Sauce with Cheese and Spinach
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating a decadent creaminess. Then fold in the fresh spinach; it will soften quickly and add that lovely splash of green to the dish.
Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, toss your drained pasta right into the skillet with the sauce. Mix everything carefully so each piece of pasta is luxuriously coated. The sauce will thicken a little as it stands, making it irresistibly creamy with every bite.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Top off this dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. A handful of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good olive oil can also add wonderful texture and flavor contrast to your creamy spinach pasta recipe.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crispy garlic bread with melted cheese for an indulgent combo. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness and adding some crunch to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with a lemon wedge and a sprig of fresh parsley. You can also bake this pasta briefly with an extra layer of Parmesan on top to create a golden crust that delivers deliciously crispy bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy spinach pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2 to 3 days without losing much of its luscious texture and flavor.
Freezing
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to one month. Note that the texture of spinach may change slightly after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess. Microwaving works too, but stirring frequently helps maintain that velvety sauce without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is traditional and gives that nutty flavor, you can try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or even a mild Asiago. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well to keep the sauce creamy.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
It can be made vegetarian by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth. This swap keeps the depth of flavor while making it appropriate for those avoiding meat products.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, fresh herbs like parsley and oregano work wonderfully, but use about three times the amount of fresh compared to dried to maintain balance. They add a lovely fresh aroma that complements the creamy spinach pasta recipe perfectly.
What pasta types work best?
Ziti rigati and penne are ideal due to their shape, which catches the creamy sauce nicely. Other tube-shaped pastas like rigatoni or even fusilli can also work well.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta are fantastic additions that elevate this creamy spinach pasta recipe into a fuller meal. Just add them just before serving to maintain their texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and exciting about this Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe that makes it a true kitchen favorite. It’s rich yet fresh, easy yet impressive, and perfectly suited for any pasta lover looking to bring a little extra warmth and joy to their meal. I can’t wait for you to make it and discover just how satisfying a simple creamy pasta can be!
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Classic Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A rich and creamy spinach pasta dish that combines tender ziti with a flavorful Parmesan and garlic-infused sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Herbs & Spices
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Dairy & Liquids
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half (half milk/half cream)
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated from a block)
Vegetables
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups spinach
Pasta & Baking
- ½ pound ziti rigati (penne works well too)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prep Work: Heat salted water for the pasta while measuring all ingredients to ensure a smooth and fast cooking process.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water at the same time you begin the sauce. Cook according to package instructions until just tender, then drain and set aside.
- Make Butter-Garlic Base: Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue heating the butter until it foams and takes on a slight brown color, occasionally swirling the pan to prevent burning.
- Incorporate Flour: Increase heat to medium and whisk in the flour. Cook for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture darkens in color and the raw flour aroma disappears.
- Add Broth Gradually: Slowly pour in chicken broth in small splashes while stirring continuously to fully integrate and avoid lumps.
- Mix in Half and Half: Gradually stir in the half and half, allowing the sauce to become creamy and smooth.
- Season Sauce: Add dried oregano, parsley, mustard powder, garlic powder, and lemon juice, stirring to blend all flavors evenly into the sauce.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Reduce heat to low, mix in the finely grated Parmesan cheese until melted, then incorporate the fresh spinach allowing it to wilt gently in the sauce.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and toss it directly into the skillet with the sauce, mixing well to coat. The sauce will thicken further as it stands.
- Serve: Serve immediately, ideally accompanied by garlic bread with cheese for a complete and delicious meal.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture works best for this creamy sauce.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan from a block enhances the sauce’s flavor and texture.
- The mustard powder adds a subtle tang and depth to the sauce—do not omit.
- Swirling the butter while it browns helps develop nuttier flavors without burning.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools; adjust consistency with a splash of broth or half and half if needed.
- Garlic bread with cheese makes a perfect side to complement the creamy pasta.
