Go Back
+ servings
Pasta with Spinach

Creamy Pasta with Spinach: A Quick 15-Min Dinner Delight

This creamy pasta with spinach is a nutrient-packed, quick weeknight dinner ready in just 15 minutes.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 plates
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz pasta any type (penne, rigatoni, spaghetti, etc.)
For the Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2-3 cloves garlic finely sliced/minced
  • 9 oz baby spinach washed
  • 1/4 tsp salt fine salt
  • 5 oz cream cheese
  • 1 oz parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg ground/or freshly grated
  • to taste black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Measuring Cups
  • measuring spoons
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once boiling, add 8 oz of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add 2-3 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  3. Gradually add 9 oz of washed baby spinach to the skillet, stirring continuously. Season with ¼ teaspoon of fine salt. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until fully wilted and bright green.
  4. Lower the heat and add 5 oz of cream cheese along with 1/3 cup of reserved pasta water. Stir until smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency with more pasta water as needed.
  5. Incorporate 1 oz of freshly grated parmesan cheese and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, stirring until fully mixed and the cheese melts into the sauce.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with the creamy spinach sauce. If too thick, add a splash more reserved pasta water.
  7. Serve immediately, drizzled with extra olive oil and seasoned with fresh black pepper and more parmesan on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!