Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Pasta with spinach is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the earthy taste of spinach combined with pasta in a creamy or light garlic-infused sauce. It’s a versatile, nutritious, and satisfying option, perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. Packed with iron, fiber, and protein, this recipe can be customized in countless ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

In this recipe, I’ll guide you through creating a delicious spinach pasta with tips for adjusting the flavor, making it lighter or richer, and adding optional ingredients for more complexity.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta with Spinach Recipe

1. Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are likely already in your kitchen, making it a convenient and cost-effective meal.
2. Quick Preparation: This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
3. Healthy and Nutritious: Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, while pasta offers carbs for energy, creating a balanced meal.
4. Customizable: You can add proteins like chicken or shrimp, or make it vegan by using plant-based cream or milk.
5. Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats well and is perfect for meal prepping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). This should take about 8–10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta.
3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help thicken the sauce and make it creamy.
4. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set it aside, tossing it with a little olive oil if you’re worried about it sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach and Garlic

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to warm up for a minute.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it; you want it golden, not brown.
3. Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet in batches if necessary. Sauté for about 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spinach wilts down. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. Add Cream: Pour the heavy cream (or milk) into the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Stir to combine.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
3. Add Parmesan (Optional): Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for a creamier, richer sauce. It will melt and thicken the sauce slightly.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Optional: Add a splash of white wine for additional depth, or a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the spinach sauce.
2. Add Pasta Water: Pour in a small amount of reserved pasta water (about ¼ cup) and toss everything together, coating the pasta in the sauce. Continue adding pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
3. Finish with Butter: For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Pasta: Divide the pasta between plates or serve family-style in a large bowl.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and a handful of fresh spinach or basil leaves for a pop of color.
3. Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm.

Tips for Perfect Spinach Pasta

1. Choosing the Right Pasta: Longer pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works well because it allows the sauce to cling to each strand. However, shorter pasta like penne or fusilli holds up well, too, especially if you prefer more spinach in every bite.
2. Balancing Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk, which will provide a subtle flavor without the dairy.
3. Layering Flavors: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a squeeze of lemon juice to add a bit of zing to the sauce. For a richer sauce, use butter or a small amount of cream cheese.
4. Don’t Overcook Spinach: Cook the spinach just until it wilts. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture and loss of bright green color.
5. Using Fresh Herbs: Basil, parsley, or thyme can complement the dish well if added at the end.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegan Spinach Pasta: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
2. Chicken and Spinach Pasta: Sauté bite-sized pieces of chicken breast with garlic before adding spinach for a protein-packed version.
3. Shrimp and Spinach Pasta: Add shrimp for a seafood twist. Sauté shrimp until pink, then set aside, adding them back just before serving.
4. Mushroom Spinach Pasta: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet with garlic and cook until golden brown before adding spinach.
5. Spinach and Tomato Pasta: Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet with the spinach for a burst of color and flavor.

Storing and Reheating

1. Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating may cause the sauce to separate, so stovetop is preferable.
3. Freezing: It’s best to avoid freezing creamy pasta dishes, as they can become grainy upon reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and drain it well before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess water.

2. Can I make this pasta gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta, and make sure any additional sauces or seasonings are gluten-free as well.

3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the simmering sauce. Alternatively, adding a few tablespoons of cream cheese will make it thicker and creamier.

4. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped chili for heat.

5. What side dishes go well with spinach pasta?
This pasta pairs beautifully with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers.

Serving Suggestions

Pasta with spinach can be a main dish or served with complementary sides, like:

1. Garlic Bread: The perfect match, crispy on the outside and soft inside.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil bring a refreshing contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.
4. Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy sauce and spinach perfectly.

This pasta with spinach recipe brings together comfort and flavor in a dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat.

Yield: 4

Pasta with Spinach Recipe

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Pasta with spinach is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the earthy taste of spinach combined with pasta in a creamy or light garlic-infused sauce. It’s a versatile, nutritious, and satisfying option, perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. Packed with iron, fiber, and protein, this recipe can be customized in countless ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your favorite type)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 oz fresh spinach (about 5 cups, lightly packed)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Sauté Garlic and Spinach:

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add spinach and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add Tomatoes (Optional):

• If using, add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they soften slightly.

4. Combine with Cream and Parmesan:

• Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
• Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

5. Add the Pasta:

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a creamier texture.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Lighten It Up: Substitute heavy cream with milk for a lighter sauce.
• Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
• Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and texture.