Creamy Spinach Pasta (Printable Format)
Enjoy tender pasta enveloped in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with fresh spinach. An easy vegetarian meal, ready in 30 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
→ Vegetables
02 - 7 ounces fresh baby spinach, washed
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
→ Sauce
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - Salt, to taste
11 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
12 - Extra grated Parmesan cheese
13 - Freshly ground black pepper
# How-To Steps:
01 - Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
02 - While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
04 - Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach has completely wilted, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
05 - Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and ground nutmeg. Continue to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
06 - Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to combine, adding the reserved pasta cooking water as needed to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
07 - Season the pasta dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This dish is your secret weapon for those nights when you want something incredibly comforting but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- It's astonishing how something so simple can taste so wonderfully rich and utterly luxurious, truly making it a frequent request in my home.
02 -
- Never rinse your pasta after draining it; the starch clinging to it is vital for helping the sauce adhere beautifully.
- Always reserve some pasta water! It's your secret weapon for adjusting the sauce's consistency and helping it emulsify perfectly.
03 -
- For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melt and texture.
- Resist the urge to blast the heat when simmering the cream; a gentle simmer prevents it from separating and keeps your sauce smooth and luxurious.