Pasta with Spinach Sauce

This delicious pasta with spinach sauce is a quick and easy meal that everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines creamy textures with the wholesome goodness of spinach. In just 15 minutes, you can serve up a dish that’s not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making it suitable for family dinners or even casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This pasta dish is ready in less than 15 minutes, perfect for those hectic weeknights.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with spinach and cream cheese, it provides essential nutrients while still being comforting.
• Versatile Options: You can use any pasta shape you like—penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work well.
• Family-Friendly Flavors: The creamy sauce is mild and appealing to both kids and adults alike.
• Minimal Cleanup: With just one skillet needed, you’ll spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing this pasta with spinach sauce easy and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Strainer or colander
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Essential for making the sauce and combining all ingredients seamlessly.
• Pot for boiling pasta: Necessary to cook your pasta to perfection before mixing it with the sauce.
• Strainer or colander: Helps drain the pasta while retaining some cooking water needed for the sauce.

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.

For the Pasta

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

For the Sauce

• 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: Prepare the Sauce

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 (be careful not to burn it).
3. Add part of the spinach and season with salt. Stir until wilted while adding handfuls of spinach at a time.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. When the spinach is wilted but still bright green, stir in cream cheese and 1/3 cup of pasta cooking water.
2. Add grated parmesan cheese and nutmeg to the sauce; stir well. The sauce will be ready in a few minutes.

Step 4: Toss with Pasta

1. Drain your pasta.
2. Add it to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined.
3. Serve immediately with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Enjoy this delightful pasta with spinach sauce, a dish that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying!

How to Serve Pasta with Spinach Sauce

Serving your pasta with spinach sauce is all about enhancing flavors and presentation. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this creamy dish.

Top with Extra Cheese

• Grate fresh parmesan cheese on top just before serving for an extra cheesy flavor that complements the spinach sauce beautifully.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth, making each bite more flavorful.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and a fresh taste that brightens up the dish.

Serve with a Squeeze of Lemon

• A squeeze of lemon juice can elevate the flavors, adding brightness and balancing the creaminess of the sauce.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Serve alongside slices of crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce, creating a satisfying meal.

Include a Side Salad

• A simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta, making it a complete meal.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Pasta with Spinach Sauce

Perfecting your pasta with spinach sauce takes just a few simple techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Use fresh spinach – Fresh baby spinach offers better flavor and texture compared to frozen spinach, making your dish more vibrant.
• Don’t overcook the pasta – Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it retains its shape and texture when tossed with the sauce.
• Reserve pasta water wisely – The starchy pasta water helps adjust the consistency of your sauce; add it gradually until you achieve your desired creaminess.
• Experiment with cheeses – Try mixing different cheeses, like ricotta or goat cheese, for varied flavor profiles in your sauce.
• Adjust seasoning carefully – Taste as you go; adding salt, pepper, or nutmeg can enhance flavors significantly.
• Serve immediately – This dish is best enjoyed fresh; serve right after combining the pasta and sauce for optimal taste and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Pasta with Spinach Sauce

Enhancing your meal with delicious side dishes will make your experience even more enjoyable. Here are some great options to serve alongside your pasta with spinach sauce.

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and adds a comforting touch.
2. Caprese Salad – A fresh caprese salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers offer a healthy side full of flavor.
4. Caesar Salad – This classic salad adds crunch and tanginess that pairs wonderfully with rich pasta dishes.
5. Steamed Green Beans – Lightly steamed green beans add color and nutrition without overpowering the main dish.
6. Grilled Asparagus – Grilled asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze can elevate your meal’s sophistication while still being simple to prepare.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pasta with Spinach Sauce, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta too long leads to mushiness. Follow package directions and aim for al dente texture.
• Not reserving pasta water: Failing to save some pasta cooking water can result in a thick sauce. Always set aside at least 1/2 cup before draining.
• Burning the garlic: Cooking garlic too long can make it bitter. Keep an eye on it and cook just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
• Skipping seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland flavors. Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper to enhance the dish.
• Adding all spinach at once: Introducing too much spinach at once makes it hard to wilt properly. Add it in batches for even cooking.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Pasta with Spinach Sauce

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pasta with Spinach Sauce

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer individual portions to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, add a splash of water or olive oil. Stir occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Pasta with Spinach Sauce, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions.

Can I use frozen spinach instead?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach! Just thaw and drain it before adding it to your sauce.

What type of pasta works best?

Any type of pasta works well; penne or spaghetti are great choices for this dish.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

How do I customize Pasta with Spinach Sauce?

You can add other vegetables like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Pasta with Spinach Sauce is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Its creamy texture is comforting, while its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delightful meal that everyone will love!