Creamy Spinach Garlic Pasta

Name: Creamy Spinach Garlic Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz fettuccine pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 5 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste; Red pepper flakes, optional

Highlighted under: Easy Ideas

I absolutely love dishes that come together quickly yet offer a rich and satisfying flavor, and this Creamy Spinach Garlic Pasta does just that. With fresh spinach, aromatic garlic, and a luscious cream sauce, this recipe has become a weeknight favorite in our home. It only takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for those busy evenings when I crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Created by

Verity Langdon

Last updated on 2026-01-15T21:01:35.735Z

In my quest to create a simple yet flavorful pasta dish, I stumbled upon a combination of garlic and fresh spinach that completely transformed my dinner experience. The trick is to sauté the garlic just enough to release its rich flavors without letting it burn. This not only enriches the cream sauce but also adds a beautiful depth to the dish.

One evening, I paired this pasta with a crisp salad and a glass of white wine, and the meal was so uplifting that I knew I had created something special. Now, whenever I have fresh spinach on hand, it's the first recipe I turn to because it’s both comforting and quick to make.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy, dreamy sauce that coats every bite
Nutritious spinach that enhances flavor and texture
Quick to prepare, perfect for any night of the week

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving a luscious cream sauce in this dish is the heavy cream. It not only adds richness but also a velvety texture that clings beautifully to the pasta and spinach. For a lighter alternative, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a thick dairy-free cream if you're looking for a plant-based option. Just keep in mind that the flavors might vary slightly, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.

Fresh spinach plays a crucial role not just in flavor but in nutrition as well. Cooking spinach releases its nutrients, significantly enhancing the dish's health benefits. Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any grit. You can also substitute it with other greens like kale or arugula, though these will impart a different taste and might require slight adjustments in cooking times.

Technique Tips for Perfect Pasta

Cooking the pasta al dente is essential for texture. This means it should have a slight bite to it, preventing it from becoming mushy after mixing with the sauce. To achieve this, start checking the pasta a couple of minutes before the recommended cooking time on the package. Once drained, don’t rinse the pasta; this helps the sauce stick better.

When making the cream sauce, be patient while stirring in the Parmesan cheese. Adding it slowly allows for better melting and integration into the cream. If you find the sauce isn’t creamy enough, whisk in a little reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is reached. Aim for a smooth, glossy sauce that calls for a good coating on the pasta.

Serving and Storing

This Creamy Spinach Garlic Pasta is optimum when served immediately, garnished with more cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to retain moisture and creaminess.

For a variation, consider adding protein such as grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also include sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for an extra layer of flavor. Adjust the seasonings based on the added ingredients to ensure a balanced dish. Remember to keep it simple; the rich sauce and fresh spinach are already the star of the show!

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious pasta experience.

For the Pasta Dish

8 oz fettuccine pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes, optional

Make sure to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your creamy pasta.

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.

Add the Spinach

Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.

Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring every piece is coated in the creamy sauce. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Substitutions and Variations

If you're vegetarian but want to add some heartiness to the dish, chickpeas make a fantastic addition. Just toss them in with the spinach to heat through. For gluten-free eaters, using gluten-free fettuccine pasta or even spiralized vegetables, like zucchini, can create a delightful twist on traditional pasta while keeping with the recipe's creamy foundation.

Experimenting with different cheeses can also yield exciting results. Try adding mozzarella for a stretchy texture or goat cheese for a tangy flavor contrast. Each cheese will transform the dish uniquely, so feel free to explore based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce turns out too thick, don't panic! Simply add a bit more pasta water or cream gradually until you reach the desired consistency. If it appears too thin, allowing it to simmer longer will help thicken it, but be mindful not to overcook the spinach when placing everything together.

Another common issue is the garlic burning during sautéing, which can impart a bitter taste to the dish. To prevent this, reduce the heat slightly if your garlic starts browning too quickly. Keeping everything at medium heat enables the flavors to meld without compromising their freshness or becoming overpowering.

Make-Ahead Options

For busy weeknights, consider prepping the sauce in advance. You can sauté the garlic and spinach and mix in the cream and cheese without adding the pasta. Store this cream sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, simply cook the pasta, reheat the sauce, and you've got a fast yet satisfying meal.

Another strategy is to cook a larger batch of pasta and use the leftovers for another dish. Pasta can be stored in the fridge but may get a bit sticky. To revive it, just toss it in a bit of olive oil before heating. This way, you'll cut down on prep time for future meals while still enjoying the delightful flavors of this creamy creation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work well; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and add the pasta when ready to serve.

→ How can I make this dish lighter?

You can use half-and-half or a lower-fat cream option to reduce the calories while still keeping it creamy.