Description
This pasta with spinach sauce is a creamy, vibrant green dish that’s both healthy and comforting. The sauce is made with fresh spinach, garlic, and Parmesan, blending into a smooth, rich coating for your favorite pasta. It’s an easy weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
- For the Spinach Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, packed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- For Garnish (Optional):
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Toasted pine nuts or walnuts
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Spinach Sauce
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes).
- Blend the Sauce
- Transfer the spinach mixture to a blender or food processor.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Blend until smooth, adding reserved pasta water gradually for a creamy consistency.
- Combine with Pasta
- Return the sauce to the pan over low heat.
- Stir in cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Add lemon juice for extra freshness (optional).
- Serve & Garnish
- Plate the pasta and top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or toasted nuts if desired.
- Enjoy warm!
Notes
- :
- For a vegan version, use plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for extra protein.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water or milk.
- Recipe Details
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg