Classic Creamy Spinach Pasta Dinner
This creamy spinach pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal, featuring tender pasta, fresh spinach, and a rich cheese sauce. It's a satisfying and comforting dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Stove
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 4 ounces cream cheese (full-fat recommended)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water plus more as needed
Seasoning & Garnish
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes Optional: for heat
- lemon juice Optional: Squeeze of for brightness
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Making the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in the same pot, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cream cheese, Parmesan, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the pot, stirring over low heat until a smooth sauce forms.
- Stir in fresh spinach until completely wilted into the sauce.
Finishing & Serving
- Season with salt and pepper, adding more pasta water if the sauce is too thick for your preference.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the full-fat version provides a richer texture. Don't forget to taste and adjust seasonings at the end!