Pasta with Spinach Ultimate

This pasta with spinach recipe delivers restaurant vibes at home using only a few fresh and flavorful ingredients for an ultimate comfort food experience. The creamy sauce clings to tender noodles and silky spinach for a cozy dish that is as impressive as it is simple.

My family devours this pasta every time—my youngest even started eating spinach thanks to this dish It quickly became a request at every get together when I first made it at a birthday dinner

Ingredients

• Pasta of your choice: such as penne fettuccine or spaghetti for a sturdy bite and great sauce catch Choose a bronze cut variety for extra texture
• Olive oil: delivers rich flavor and silkiness in the sauce Go for extra virgin for best taste
• Fresh garlic: creates an aromatic base and really shines in such a simple recipe Pick firm cloves for maximum flavor and no bitterness
• Fresh spinach: wilts down and brings vitamins color and a mild savory taste Look for bright green leaves without yellowing
• Vegetable or chicken broth: deglazes the pan and adds deep savory notes A low sodium option helps control the seasoning
• Heavy cream or a dairy free alternative: creamy richness ties everything together Canned coconut cream or oat cream work for non dairy
• Freshly grated Parmesan: makes the sauce extra savory and creamy buy a wedge and grate it yourself for the best melt and flavor
• Salt and pepper: fine sea salt and cracked black pepper let the other flavors pop
• Crushed red pepper flakes: for gentle heat sprinkle to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil drop in your chosen pasta and stir to prevent sticking Cook just until al dente so the noodles hold up to the sauce Drain and set aside but save about half a cup of the pasta water for adjusting the sauce later if needed

Sauté Garlic:

Warm up your largest skillet over medium heat splash in olive oil and wait until it shimmers Tip in the minced garlic and cook for a full minute stirring constantly so it gets fragrant but stays pale and soft Burnt garlic turns bitter and can overpower the dish

Add Spinach:

Tumble in all the chopped spinach which will look like a lot but it quickly wilts down Keep stirring for two to three minutes You want the leaves fully wilted but still bright in color

Deglaze with Broth:

Pour in the broth to lift off any tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pan Use a wooden spoon to really scrape up those flavorful browned pieces Let the mixture simmer gently for two minutes so it reduces just a touch

Incorporate Cream:

Pour the cream directly into the skillet Stir slowly and watch the sauce come together Cook another two to three minutes until it thickens slightly to coat the back of a spoon

Mix in Cheese:

Tip in your freshly grated Parmesan if using Stir until it melts smoothly into the sauce making it extra velvety and rich

Combine Pasta:

Add in the drained pasta Use tongs or a spatula to fold everything together until each strand or shape is well coated with the creamy spinach sauce If the mixture looks dry add a bit of reserved pasta water and stir again

Season:

Taste and season generously with salt and black pepper You can also shake in crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle warming kick Stir so the flavors are well distributed

Serve:

Take off the heat right away and pile the pasta onto plates While hot add more Parmesan or a swirl of extra olive oil if you like Serve immediately for the creamiest texture

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I love using a quality chunk of Parmesan here for its nutty flavor and salty finish I remember teaching my niece how to grate her own cheese for this sauce and she could not believe the difference

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days When reheating add splashes of milk or extra broth to rehydrate the sauce and stir well on low heat Freezing is not ideal because the cream can separate and spinach can become mushy

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy free version use unsweetened oat cream and skip the Parmesan or replace it with a vegan alternative Whole wheat pasta or gluten free pasta work just as well Use baby kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach for a fun twist

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and some roasted vegetables Try serving with grilled lemon chicken or serving portions in individual shallow bowls for a bistro feel

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Cultural Context

While pasta and spinach is not a classic Italian combination it takes inspiration from creamy Florentine dishes and the love for pairing leafy greens with noodles The cream sauce is reminiscent of classic Alfredo but the spinach and broth lend a lighter touch

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a dairy-free alternative for the cream?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or your favorite plant-based alternative to maintain creaminess.

→ Which pasta shape works best with spinach?

Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti are excellent choices as their textures hold the creamy spinach sauce well.

→ Is Parmesan cheese necessary in this dish?

Parmesan adds a savory depth but it can be omitted or replaced with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder for extra heat.

→ What other vegetables pair well with spinach in this dish?

Mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas complement the flavor and add variety to the creamy sauce.