If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Pasta with Spinach Cream Sauce Recipe. It combines tender pasta with a luscious, velvety sauce made from fresh spinach and cream cheese, delivering a perfect balance of vibrant green goodness and rich, comforting flavors. Every bite feels like a warm hug on your plate, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pasta with Spinach Cream Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity, with ingredients that are easy to find and work harmoniously to create a creamy, flavorful sauce. Each component plays a crucial role—from the garlic’s fragrant kick to the creamy tang of the cream cheese and the salty bite of parmesan, all wrapped up with fresh spinach for color and nutrition.
- 8 oz pasta: Choose penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti for the perfect noodle base that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic to aromatic perfection.
- 2-3 garlic cloves: Provides a fragrant and flavorful foundation for the sauce.
- 9 oz baby spinach: Fresh, vibrant greens that wilt down into the sauce, adding color and nutrients.
- 5 oz cream cheese: Gives the sauce its signature creamy texture and tangy richness.
- 1 oz parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and brighten all the flavors.
How to Make Pasta with Spinach Cream Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Remember to reserve at least half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining—the starchy water is a secret weapon that will help make your sauce silky and smooth.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil
While the pasta cooks, warm a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until they release their fragrant aroma—this little step layers in so much flavor.
Step 3: Wilt the Spinach
Gradually add the baby spinach to the skillet, seasoning lightly with salt to help it along. Stir continuously as the spinach wilts down into a vibrant, glossy mass that will form the fresh base of your sauce.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Pasta Water
Now it’s time for the cream cheese. Adding it in with about a third of the reserved pasta water helps melt the cheese evenly and creates the luscious texture that makes this dish truly shine. Stir well to combine everything into a creamy, dreamy sauce.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg (optional but highly recommended). Mix everything together until you achieve a smooth, rich, flavorful sauce that hugs every inch of spinach and pasta alike.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the drained pasta back into the skillet, letting the sauce coat each piece thoroughly. The reserved pasta water and creamy sauce cling together, ensuring every forkful is packed with flavor and silkiness.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve this comforting Pasta with Spinach Cream Sauce Recipe immediately, topped with extra parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Pasta with Spinach Cream Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a crack of black pepper on top instantly elevates the dish’s flavor and makes it look irresistible. For a pop of color, consider a few toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
This creamy spinach pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp, simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf also make fantastic accompaniments, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try plating the pasta with a swirl of sauce on the plate and adding a few fresh spinach leaves or microgreens for a fresh, elegant touch. Drizzling a bit of good olive oil over the top adds a glossy finish and extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Pasta with Spinach Cream Sauce Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully and the pasta will stay perfectly tasty for up to two days.
Freezing
While freezing cream-based sauces can sometimes change the texture, you can freeze this pasta if needed. Place portions in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to keep the sauce from separating.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta slowly on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or milk to bring back the creaminess. Stir well as you go to restore that luscious coating on your pasta.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti are great choices, you can experiment with farfalle, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta to match your preferences or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Is cream cheese necessary for the sauce?
Cream cheese is key to achieving that rich, creamy texture in this recipe. However, you could substitute with mascarpone or ricotta if you want a slightly different but still delicious twist.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu can make this pasta a heartier meal. Just cook the protein separately and toss it in during the final step.
How do I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of this Pasta with Spinach Cream Sauce Recipe, try using vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese. Also, swap the pasta for one without eggs.
Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh baby spinach offers the best color and texture, frozen spinach can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding to the sauce to avoid excess water.
Final Thoughts
This Pasta with Spinach Cream Sauce Recipe is a total winner for busy nights when you crave something both healthy and indulgent in one bowl. The ease of preparation combined with its fresh, creamy flavor makes it a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to. Grab these simple ingredients and create a meal that feels like a delicious celebration of comfort and greens.
Print
Pasta with Spinach Cream Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy pasta with spinach sauce is a quick and delicious meal that combines sautéed garlic and fresh baby spinach with cream cheese and parmesan for a rich, flavorful dish. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare in just 15 minutes and serves four.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 9 oz baby spinach
- 5 oz cream cheese
- 1 oz parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1/2 cup of the cooking water to help create the sauce.
- Sauté garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Wilt the spinach: Gradually add the baby spinach to the skillet, seasoning with salt. Stir continuously until the spinach is fully wilted and reduced in volume.
- Add cream cheese and pasta water: Stir in the cream cheese and about 1/3 cup of the reserved pasta water. Continue stirring until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce.
- Incorporate parmesan and nutmeg: Add the parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. Mix well until combined and creamy.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the spinach cream sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with additional parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper as desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the creaminess and flavor depth.
- Ensure not to overcook the spinach to keep a vibrant green color.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a slightly different richness.
- Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
