Creamy Spinach Pasta
A quick and comforting dish combining pasta with a rich, creamy spinach sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adjust seasoning due to saltiness
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing garlic
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Sauté on medium heat to prevent burning
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference
- Optional: cooked chicken or steak for serving Enhances the dish if desired
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes for al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toss in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the cream, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy spinach sauce until well coated. Serve immediately, optionally with chicken or steak.
Notes
Best enjoyed hot, garnished with more Parmesan and spinach. Pairs well with garlic bread or a light salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.