Creamy Spinach Pasta Recipe

I’m obsessed with this creamy spinach pasta because it perfectly balances indulgence and simplicity, making it my go-to comfort food after a long day. Plus, the hint of lemon zest at the end just elevates the whole dish, bringing a fresh burst of flavor that’s both unexpected and delightful!

The delightful blend of fresh ingredients in my creamy spinach pasta makes it a rich and nutritious dish. For that lovely sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, I love using fettuccine; it just embodies the sauce so much better than any other pasta shape.

The sauce itself is really delicious, but the addition of fresh spinach and the blending of garlic and a nutmeg hint really send it over the top.

Ingredients

Macaroni: Offers carbs for power; the main constituent of the dish.

Olive oil: Fats that are healthy for the heart; enrich flavor and texture.

Spinach: Full of iron and essential vitamins; brings a lively hue and healthful elements.

Richness and a silky texture are imparted to the sauce by heavy cream.

Parmesan cheese: Adds umami depth; boosts flavor and calcium.

Garlic: It is aromatic and enhances flavor while possessing health-advancing properties.

Ingredient Quantities

• 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, penne)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 oz (150g) fresh spinach leaves
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional for added flavor)
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) pasta cooking water, reserved

Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta as directed on the package in a large pot of water that has been brought to a rolling boil and salted generously. It’s important at all times during cooking to ensure that the water is sufficiently salted; otherwise, the pasta will taste bland. When the pasta is just shy of cooked, drain it, reserving 1/4 cup of the water in which it cooked, and set the pasta aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic, being careful not to let it scorch.

3. Place the fresh spinach leaves in the skillet. Sauté, stirring now and then, until the spinach has wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Lower the heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir well to mix with the garlic and spinach.

5. To the skillet, add the Parmesan cheese that has been grated. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

6. If using, season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

7. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy spinach sauce.

8. Should the sauce be overly thick, add the reserved pasta cooking water little by little until achieving the preferred consistency.

9. If you want to add a fresh burst of flavor, zest a lemon over the pasta before serving.

10. Serve right away with the additional garnish of Parmesan cheese and cracks of black pepper, if you want. Dig into your dish of dreamy creamy spinach pasta!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Skillet
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Chef’s knife
6. Cutting board
7. Box grater or microplane (for grating cheese and zesting lemon)
8. Colander or pasta strainer
9. Ladle or small cup (for reserving pasta water)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?You can certainly use any pasta you like, even spaghetti. Penne, fettuccine, and the like are great alternatives.
• Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?For a lighter selection, half-and-half or a mix of milk and a little cornstarch to thicken the sauce works well.
• How can I make this dish vegan?For a vegan version, use a cream made from plants and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Is it necessary to add nutmeg?Add nutmeg if you want a flavor that’ll go with the spinach and cream. But if you want it to be subtle, just leave it out.
• What can I add for extra protein?For additional protein, the dish can be topped with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• How do I store leftovers?Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, in airtight containers, for up to three days. Reheating should be done over low heat. If needed, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
• Can I add other vegetables?Certainly! Additions to the dish that are excellent include mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or hearts of artichoke.

Substitutions and Variations

Spaghetti: Change it up by using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
Olive oil: Substitute avocado oil or butter for a different flavor profile.
Coconut cream or a plant-based cream such as soy or almond cream can be used for a dairy-free option.
Parmesan cheese: Change to nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for a dish suitable for vegans.
Fresh spinach leaves: As a substitute, one could use kale or Swiss chard, which would offer a different kind of leafy green texture.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the garlic For an extra layer of flavor, consider lightly toasting the minced garlic in olive oil before adding the spinach. This adds a nutty richness to the dish.

2. Pre-wilt the spinach To ensure even cooking, you can pre-wilt the fresh spinach by blanching it briefly in boiling water, then shocking it in cold water. This helps maintain its vibrant green color.

3. Use freshly grated Parmesan Freshly grating Parmesan cheese from a block ensures the best melt and flavor. Pre-grated cheese can contain anti-caking agents that may affect the texture of the sauce.

4. Control the sauce consistency Be mindful when adding the reserved pasta water. Add it in increments to achieve the desired sauce consistency without making it too watery.

5. Enhance the lemon zest As a variation, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon juice along with the zest. This can amplify the fresh citrus notes and provide a bright contrast to the creamy sauce.