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
Scale
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.
