Description
This spinach pasta recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal, bursting with fresh flavors. It combines tender pasta with a creamy spinach sauce, making it a delicious and healthy option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (such as penne, farfalle, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with cashew cream or a plant-based cream alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 15g
