Creamy Spinach Pasta (Printable)
Velvety pasta featuring fresh spinach in a garlic-infused cream sauce with Parmesan. Cozy, elegant, and weeknight-friendly.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
→ Vegetables
02 - 7 oz fresh baby spinach, washed
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
→ Sauce
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 2 oz grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Garnish
11 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
12 - Freshly ground black pepper
# How-To Steps:
01 - Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
02 - While pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
03 - Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add fresh spinach to the skillet and stir continuously until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes.
05 - Pour heavy cream into the skillet, bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in grated Parmesan and nutmeg. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
06 - Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency.
07 - Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to preference.
08 - Transfer to serving dishes immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce clings to every bite of pasta without being heavy, creating this magical balance that somehow feels both indulgent and light.
- Its my go-to for impressing guests with minimal effort, one of those dishes where everyone thinks youve been cooking all day when it really takes just 30 minutes.
02 -
- Reserved pasta water is your secret weapon, I once skipped this step and ended up with a sauce that was too thick and wouldn't coat the pasta properly.
- The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so it should look slightly thinner in the pan than you want it on your plate.
03 -
- For an extra layer of flavor, infuse the cream with a sprig of fresh thyme while it simmers, then remove before adding the cheese.
- Finishing the dish with a light drizzle of your best olive oil just before serving adds a beautiful richness that elevates the entire experience.