Pasta with Spinach Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Craving a delicious, satisfying meal in a hurry? This easy creamy spinach pasta recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dinner in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, combining tender pasta with a vibrant, velvety spinach sauce. For another quick veggie-packed dish, try this Vegetable Stir Fry Recipe Easy.

Ingredients

This quick spinach pasta recipe uses a handful of simple ingredients to create a creamy, vibrant, and deeply satisfying meal in minutes.

• 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

Timing

Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes

Context: This Quick Spinach Pasta is ready in about 15 minutes, making it roughly 30% faster than similar pasta recipes that require more prep or a longer simmer time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Ingredients

Gather 8 ounces of pasta, 5 ounces of fresh spinach, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Wash the spinach thoroughly and mince the garlic. Having everything ready makes this Quick Spinach Pasta come together in minutes.

Step 2 — Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.

Tip: The pasta water is key for creating a silky sauce, so don’t skip this step.

Step 3 — Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Do not let it brown, as it will turn bitter.

Step 4 — Wilt the Spinach

Add all the fresh spinach to the skillet with the garlic. Use tongs to gently toss the spinach in the warm oil. It will wilt dramatically in 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 5 — Combine Pasta and Spinach

Add the drained, hot pasta directly to the skillet with the wilted spinach. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6 — Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve your Quick Spinach Pasta immediately while hot.

Tip: For extra richness, finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~420 kcal
Protein	~15g
Carbohydrates	~55g
Fat	~16g
Fiber	~6g
Sodium	~480mg

Note: These are approximate values for one serving of this Quick Spinach Pasta. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Healthier Alternatives

This quick spinach pasta is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein Swap: Lentils or Chickpeas — For a plant-based protein boost, replace the sausage with cooked brown lentils or canned chickpeas. They add a hearty, earthy texture that pairs perfectly with the spinach.
• Lower-Carb Option: Zucchini Noodles — Swap regular pasta for spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or shirataki noodles. They lighten the dish significantly while letting the creamy spinach sauce shine.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess: Cashew Cream or Coconut Milk — Instead of heavy cream, blend soaked raw cashews with water for a rich, neutral base, or use full-fat coconut milk for a subtle tropical note.
• Gluten-Free Pasta — Use a high-quality brown rice or chickpea pasta. Their firm texture holds up well to the sauce, making this quick spinach pasta celiac-friendly.
• Low-Sodium Version: Homemade Stock & Fresh Herbs — Use low-sodium or homemade vegetable broth and boost flavor with plenty of fresh garlic, lemon zest, and herbs like basil or oregano instead of salty packaged broth.
• Extra Greens: Kale or Swiss Chard — Mix in chopped kale or Swiss chard with the spinach for added nutrients and a more complex, slightly peppery flavor profile.
• Lighter Cheese: Nutritional Yeast or Feta — For a cheesy flavor with less fat, sprinkle with nutritional yeast. For a tangy punch, crumble a small amount of reduced-fat feta on top.
• Oil Alternative: Vegetable Broth — Sauté your garlic and onions in a few tablespoons of vegetable broth instead of olive oil to reduce the fat content while keeping the dish moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this quick spinach pasta with a simple garlic bread or a fresh tomato bruschetta for a complete, satisfying meal.
• For a protein boost, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
• Serve it as a vibrant main course for a casual weeknight dinner or a light yet impressive lunch with friends.
• This dish is perfect for a meatless Monday or any occasion where you need a flavorful vegetarian option on the table fast.
• For elegant plating, use tongs to twirl the pasta into a nest on the plate, ensuring the creamy spinach sauce is visible, and finish with extra black pepper and Parmesan.
• Complement the meal with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red such as Chianti.
• Round out the meal with a simple side salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

These ideas will help you turn your quick spinach pasta into a well-rounded dining experience for any occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using baby spinach directly from the bag without washing. Fix: Always rinse spinach thoroughly to remove grit, even if the bag says “pre-washed.”
• Mistake: Overcooking the spinach until it turns to a dark, bitter mush. Fix: Wilt spinach for just 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
• Mistake: Adding raw garlic to hot oil, which can burn in seconds. Fix: Sauté garlic over low heat for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
• Mistake: Not reserving pasta water before draining. Fix: Save at least a cup of the starchy water; it’s the secret to creating a silky, emulsified sauce.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the cooking water, leading to bland pasta. Fix: Salt the water until it tastes like the sea—about 1-2 tablespoons per large pot.
• Mistake: Drowning the dish in heavy cream, masking the delicate spinach. Fix: Use a light touch of cream, pasta water, or a splash of lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
• Mistake: Using pre-grated Parmesan that doesn’t melt smoothly. Fix: Always grate a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano fresh for the best texture and flavor.
• Mistake: Serving the Quick Spinach Pasta immediately without letting it rest. Fix: Let it sit off heat for a minute so the pasta absorbs the sauce perfectly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Quick Spinach Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure it has cooled to room temperature before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze this pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over medium heat, stirring until hot. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish, stirring every 30 seconds. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

For best results, add a fresh squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of olive oil when reheating to refresh the flavors of your Quick Spinach Pasta.

Conclusion

This Quick Spinach Pasta is the perfect solution for a fast, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinner. We hope you love this simple recipe as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments. For another vibrant green dish, check out our Lemony Parmesan Kale Salad Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach for this Quick Spinach Pasta?

Yes, frozen spinach works perfectly. Thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before adding it to the pan. This prevents your Quick Spinach Pasta from becoming watery.

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle are ideal. They hold the creamy sauce and spinach well. Any pasta you have on hand will work for this flexible Quick Spinach Pasta.

How can I add protein to this dish?

For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or white beans to the sauce. You can also stir in a cup of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess and protein in your Quick Spinach Pasta.