YumVerseEats
Italian & Mediterranean
Creamy Spinach Pasta
A rich yet balanced pasta dish with tender spinach folded into a smooth, comforting sauce.
RECIPE AT A GLANCE
15
min
Active Time
25
min
Total Time
4
SERVINGS
Stovetop
METHOD
Why It Works
A quick cream sauce and fresh spinach come together fast.
Ingredients
Vegetables
• 3 cups fresh spinach
Seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
• ¾ cup cream
• ¼ grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta & Grains
• 12 oz pasta
How to Make It
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2
While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3
Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4
Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring until each handful wilts before adding the next.
5
Add the drained pasta and toss to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Stir in Parmesan, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve immediately.
How to Make It
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2
While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3
Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4
Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring until each handful wilts before adding the next.
5
Add the drained pasta and toss to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Stir in Parmesan, taste and adjust seasoning, and serve immediately.
Ingredients
Vegetables
• 3 cups fresh spinach
Seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
• ¾ cup cream
• ¼ grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta & Grains
• 12 oz pasta
Storage & Reheat
Store:
Store in container up to 3 days
Reheat:
Reheat gently in the microwave add a dash of water to prevent dry pasta.
Swaps
No Parmesan? Use the same amount of Pecorino Romano.
Avo's Tip
Add spinach in batches for even wilting.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you start cooking.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, thaw and squeeze dry.
Can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half.
Does it freeze well?
Cream sauces are best fresh.
Quick Fixes
Sauce too thick: Add pasta water a splash at a time while tossing over low heat.
Spinach turning yellow: Add it off heat or at the very last moment — just enough to wilt. Overcooking kills the color.
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