There is something truly comforting about this Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe that makes it an instant favorite. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with vibrant spinach, all enveloped in a lusciously smooth sauce that hugs every bite of pasta perfectly. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to impress friends, this dish offers simple ingredients combined in a way that feels both special and satisfying. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, carefully selected ingredients. Each one is essential and plays a vital role either in building the sauce’s creamy texture, adding depth to the flavor, or giving the dish that lovely green pop from fresh spinach.
- Dried oregano, parsley, and mustard powder (½ teaspoon each): Add a subtle layer of herbaceous and tangy warmth that elevates the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic powder (¼ teaspoon): Helps amplify the garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salted butter (4 tablespoons): Creates a rich base and adds a buttery smoothness that’s crucial for the sauce’s texture.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Fresh garlic bursts with aromatic flavor that infuses the butter delightfully.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Works as a thickening agent, giving the sauce its creamy consistency.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds savory depth and complexity, providing a perfect balance to the creaminess.
- Half and half (1 cup): Combines milk and cream for the ideal creamy but light texture in the sauce.
- Lemon juice (3 teaspoons): Brightens the sauce with a fresh, tangy zing that cuts through the richness.
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated (¾ cup): Brings a nutty, salty punch that melts luxuriously into the sauce.
- Fresh spinach (1 ½ cups): Adds color, nutrition, and a fresh garden flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Ziti rigati or penne pasta (½ pound): The perfect type of pasta shape that holds the sauce well and provides satisfying texture.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. While it heats, measure out your ingredients so everything is ready to go. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package directions, being careful not to overcook. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Butter and Garlic
In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and allow it to heat for about two minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking until the butter foams and gains a slight brown color. This step creates a nutty depth of flavor and intoxicating aroma that forms the foundation of your sauce.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Turn the heat up to medium and whisk in the all-purpose flour. Keep stirring for about two minutes until the roux darkens slightly and the raw flour smell disappears. This will thicken your sauce perfectly and give it a silky texture.
Step 4: Add Broth and Half and Half
Slowly pour in the chicken broth in small splashes while continuously whisking to keep the mixture smooth. Follow this by gradually adding the half and half, stirring constantly to incorporate everything seamlessly. The sauce will start to thicken as it heats.
Step 5: Season and Add Cheese
Sprinkle in the dried oregano, parsley, mustard powder, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Mix well, then lower the heat to low. Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, giving you that classic creamy richness.
Step 6: Fold in Spinach and Pasta
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and stir gently until wilted. Finally, mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated in that heavenly creamy mixture. Let it stand for a moment; the sauce will thicken just perfectly for serving.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few cracks of black pepper on top add an instant touch of elegance and extra flavor. Fresh basil or parsley leaves can also make a lovely green pop and highlight the herbaceous notes in the dish.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with crunchy Garlic Bread with Cheese or a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette. Both options add refreshing contrasts, balancing out the creamy richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this delightful pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and vibrant spinach. For a fun twist, load into hollowed-out roasted peppers or bake with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top until golden and bubbly for a comforting casserole style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, but stirring in a splash of milk before reheating will help loosen it up nicely.
Freezing
While freezing creamy spinach pasta is possible, it’s best to do so without the spinach, as it can become mushy. Freeze the pasta and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Adding a bit of milk or broth while reheating will restore the luscious creaminess without breaking the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle work well because their ridges and shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
It is, as long as you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rich flavors remain just as delightful!
Can I substitute the half and half?
You can use heavy cream for an even richer sauce or whole milk for a lighter version, but the texture and taste will slightly change.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Try using dairy-free butter, a plant-based cream substitute, and a vegan Parmesan alternative to keep the creamy consistency and flavor while avoiding dairy.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu make excellent protein additions that complement the creamy spinach pasta wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its ease, flavor, and comforting creaminess make it an absolute winner any night of the week. Once you taste it, I promise it will find a permanent place in your recipe lineup.
Print
Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Spinach Pasta is a rich and comforting dish combining tender pasta with a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce and fresh spinach. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it features a creamy sauce made from butter, flour, chicken broth, half and half, and zesty lemon juice, finished with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese and vibrant spinach for color and nutrition.
Ingredients
Spices and Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons lemon juice
For the Sauce
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup half and half (half milk/half cream)
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated from a block
- 1 ½ cups spinach
For the Pasta
- ½ pound ziti rigati (penne works well too)
Instructions
- Prep Work: Heat salted water for the pasta while measuring out all ingredients to ensure a smooth, fast cooking process.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling salted water as you begin the sauce preparation. Cook according to package instructions without overcooking, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Butter and Garlic Base: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and let it warm for about 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and continue heating until the butter foams and starts to brown slightly, occasionally swirling the pan to prevent burning.
- Create Roux: Increase the heat to medium and whisk in the flour. Cook the mixture until it darkens to a deeper brown and loses the raw flour smell, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add Liquids Gradually: Slowly pour in the chicken broth in splashes while stirring continuously to blend smoothly without lumps.
- Add Half and Half: Gradually stir in the half and half, continuing to mix for a creamy consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Add dried oregano, parsley, mustard powder, garlic powder, and lemon juice to the sauce. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Incorporate Cheese and Spinach: Reduce heat to low, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and silky, then fold in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt gently in the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat all noodles. The sauce will thicken further as it stands.
- Serve: Plate the creamy spinach pasta immediately, optionally paired with garlic bread with cheese for a complete meal.
Notes
- Do not overcook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- The sauce thickens upon standing, so serve promptly or reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk if needed.
- Spinach can be substituted with other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
