Pasta with Spinach Sauce

This Pasta with Spinach Sauce is a delightful and quick dish that will impress your family or guests. With its creamy texture and vibrant spinach flavor, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. In less than 15 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that combines wholesome ingredients and rich taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This dish takes only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with spinach and cream cheese, it’s both nutritious and delicious.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish; it pairs well with various proteins.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: The creamy sauce and pasta are sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your household.
• Easy Cleanup: Made in one skillet, this recipe minimizes cooking mess and makes cleanup a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience enjoyable and efficient, gather the essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Measuring cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Allows for even cooking of garlic and spinach while providing enough space to combine pasta.
• Pot for boiling pasta: Essential for cooking pasta to al dente perfection, ensuring the right texture for your dish.
• Measuring cups: Helps in accurately measuring ingredients, which is key to achieving the best flavor balance.

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.

Pasta Ingredients

• 8oz (225 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti…)
• 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

1. Cook your pasta until al dente following the package directions.
2. Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

1. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and cook for about 1 or 2 minutes until fragrant (make sure you don’t burn it).

Step 3: Prepare Spinach

1. Add part of the spinach and season with salt.
2. Stir until wilted, adding handfuls of spinach at a time until all is incorporated.

Step 4: Make Spinach Sauce

1. When the spinach is wilted but still bright green, stir in cream cheese and 1/3 cup of reserved pasta cooking water.
2. Gradually add grated parmesan cheese and nutmeg; stir well until combined.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Drain pasta and add it to the skillet with spinach sauce.
2. Toss everything together until well coated.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious Pasta with Spinach Sauce!

How to Serve Pasta with Spinach Sauce

This creamy Pasta with Spinach Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this dish for a complete meal.

Pairing with Proteins

• Grilled Chicken: Add slices of grilled chicken breast for extra protein and flavor.
• Shrimp: Toss in sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist that complements the spinach beautifully.
• Tofu: For a vegetarian option, include pan-fried tofu cubes to boost the protein content.

Adding Freshness

• Cherry Tomatoes: Halve some cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color on top of your pasta.
• Arugula Salad: Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon juice for a peppery taste.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the pasta enhances the flavors and adds brightness.

Garnishing Ideas

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle on top for those who enjoy a little heat.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Chopped herbs provide aromatic freshness that pairs well with the creamy sauce.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Pasta with Spinach Sauce

Creating the perfect Pasta with Spinach Sauce is easy if you follow these tips to enhance your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and high-quality cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook your pasta just until al dente to maintain its firmness and prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Reserve Pasta Water Wisely: Keep some pasta cooking water aside to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust salt, pepper, and nutmeg gradually, tasting throughout to achieve your preferred flavor balance.
• Add Cheese Last: Incorporate parmesan cheese at the end for a smooth melting effect without clumping.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta with Spinach Sauce

Complement your Pasta with Spinach Sauce with these delightful side dishes that round out your meal perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is a classic choice that pairs perfectly with any pasta dish.
2. Caprese Salad: This refreshing salad made from mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil adds freshness to your meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide color and nutrition while enhancing flavors.
4. Caesar Salad: A crunchy Caesar salad offers a nice contrast in texture alongside creamy pasta.
5. Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli adds fiber and complements the richness of the spinach sauce.
6. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, and cured meats creates an enticing starter before your main course.
7. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad can add an earthy element that balances out the creaminess of the pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Pasta with Spinach Sauce can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish.

• Ignoring the pasta cooking time: Always follow the package instructions for cooking pasta al dente. Overcooking can lead to mushy pasta.
• Not reserving pasta water: Before draining, save some pasta cooking water. This helps adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
• Adding all spinach at once: Introduce spinach gradually to ensure it wilts evenly without overcrowding the skillet.
• Forgetting to season properly: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process. This ensures a flavorful dish.
• Using low-quality cheese: Opt for fresh parmesan and cream cheese for a rich flavor. Cheap alternatives can alter the taste significantly.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Pasta with Spinach Sauce

• Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can last up to 2 months in the freezer for best quality.

Reheating Pasta with Spinach Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil; heat until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if necessary to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pasta with Spinach Sauce.

Can I use frozen spinach for Pasta with Spinach Sauce?

Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make a vegan version of Pasta with Spinach Sauce, replace cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

What types of pasta work best?

Any pasta type works well, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Choose your favorite!

Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to include mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Pasta with Spinach Sauce is not only quick and easy but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins according to your preference. Give this delightful dish a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!