Pasta with Spinach Sauce
This delicious Pasta with Spinach Sauce is not only quick to make but also a nutritious option for busy weeknights. With its creamy texture and vibrant spinach flavor, this recipe stands out as a family favorite. Whether it’s a casual dinner or an elegant gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Ready in just 15 minutes, it combines convenience with taste, making it ideal for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish can be on your table in under 15 minutes, perfect for those hectic weeknights.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with spinach and cream cheese, it offers a healthy dose of vitamins while pleasing your palate.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with grilled chicken or serve as a vegetarian main course; the choice is yours!
- Family-Friendly Flavor: The creamy sauce and mild flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.
- Easy Cleanup: With just one skillet used in the cooking process, cleanup is a breeze.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Pasta with Spinach Sauce.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for sautéing garlic and wilting spinach, ensuring even cooking without overcrowding.
- Pot for boiling pasta: A spacious pot ensures that pasta cooks evenly and prevents clumping.
- Colander: Drains excess water efficiently, allowing you to reserve some for the sauce.
Ingredients
This simple pasta with spinach is fast, easy and delicious. It’s ready in less than 15 minutes and makes a weeknight meal the whole family will love: creamy, packed with spinach, and convenient. Recipe yields 4 medium-sized servings.
For the Pasta
- 8oz (225 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti…)
For the Sauce
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, plus more to serve
- 2-3 garlic cloves, finely sliced or minced
- 9oz (250 grams) baby spinach, washed
- ¼ tsp fine salt, plus more to taste
- 5oz (140 grams) cream cheese
- 1oz (30 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg, or ⅓ of freshly grated nutmeg, or according to taste
- black pepper, to taste
How to Make Pasta with Spinach Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Cook your pasta until al dente following the package directions.
- Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for about 1 or 2 minutes until fragrant (make sure you don’t burn it).
- Add part of the spinach and season with salt. Stir until wilted adding handfuls of spinach at a time.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- When the spinach is wilted but still bright green, stir in cream cheese along with 1/3 cup of reserved pasta cooking water.
- Then add grated parmesan cheese and nutmeg to the sauce; stir well until combined.
Step 4: Toss Pasta with Sauce
- Drain the pasta well and add it to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until coated evenly in the sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delightful Pasta with Spinach Sauce!
How to Serve Pasta with Spinach Sauce
Serving pasta with spinach sauce is as delightful as it is simple. This creamy dish pairs beautifully with various toppings and sides to enhance its flavor.
Drizzle with Olive Oil
- A splash of extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
Serve with Grated Cheese
- A generous amount of freshly grated parmesan cheese enhances the creaminess.
Pair with Lemon Wedges
- Serve lemon wedges on the side for those who enjoy a zesty kick.
Garnish with Crushed Red Pepper
- For a hint of spice, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
How to Perfect Pasta with Spinach Sauce
To make your pasta with spinach sauce even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh baby spinach provides the best flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: This ensures your pasta has the right bite and holds up well in the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Keeping some cooking water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your dish before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or nutmeg according to preference.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try mixing different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile.
- Add Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp for an extra boost of protein.
Best Side Dishes for Pasta with Spinach Sauce
Pairing sides with pasta can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement pasta with spinach sauce perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Crisped bread brushed with garlic butter makes a perfect accompaniment.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad dressed in vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add nutrition and flavor to your plate.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing side dish.
- Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears seasoned simply will add elegance to your meal.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and garlic offers a fresh contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking pasta with spinach sauce can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Overcooking the pasta: Always follow package directions for cooking time. Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better when mixed with the sauce.
- Burning the garlic: Cook garlic over medium heat and watch it closely. Burnt garlic adds bitterness to your dish, so remove it from the heat as soon as it’s fragrant.
- Skipping reserved pasta water: This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Always save some before draining to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Not seasoning adequately: Taste your sauce throughout the cooking process. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for enhanced flavor.
- Using cold cream cheese: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for a bit before adding it to the spinach. This helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pasta with spinach sauce in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Pasta with Spinach Sauce
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for best results.
- The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Pasta with Spinach Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making pasta with spinach sauce.
What type of pasta works best for Pasta with Spinach Sauce?
You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. The choice depends on your texture preference.
Can I add other vegetables to Pasta with Spinach Sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to include veggies like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
How can I make Pasta with Spinach Sauce healthier?
You can swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt or low-fat alternatives. Adding more fresh vegetables also boosts nutrition.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Pasta with spinach sauce stores well, making it a great option for meal prep. Just follow storage instructions above.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen spinach works well too. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta with Spinach Sauce is not only quick and easy but also deliciously creamy and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite veggies or proteins!
Pasta with Spinach Sauce
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of making Pasta with Spinach Sauce, a quick and nutritious meal perfect for busy weeknights. In under 15 minutes, this creamy dish combines the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach with rich cream cheese, creating a sauce that’s both satisfying and family-friendly. Ideal for casual dinners or elegant gatherings, this pasta is versatile and can be paired with grilled chicken or enjoyed as a delicious vegetarian option. With minimal cleanup required, you’ll have more time to savor your culinary creation.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 9 oz (250g) baby spinach
- ¼ tsp fine salt
- 5 oz (140g) cream cheese
- 1 oz (30g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add spinach and salt; stir until wilted.
- Mix in cream cheese and reserved pasta water until smooth. Stir in parmesan and nutmeg.
- Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, coating it thoroughly with the sauce.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of olive oil and additional parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
