Creamy Spinach Pasta: A Simple, Delicious Recipe
Are you looking for a quick, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner? Look no further than this creamy spinach pasta recipe! This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it's ready in under 30 minutes. It's perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal. This recipe is easily customizable to your preferences, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous meal.
- Pasta: 1 pound pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or your favorite shape)
- Spinach: 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 10oz frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- Milk: ½ cup milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Butter: 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps to create this delicious pasta dish.
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté Garlic:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Wilt the Spinach:
- Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. If using frozen spinach, ensure it's completely thawed and squeezed dry before adding.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Stir in softened cream cheese and milk into the skillet with the spinach and garlic. Cook, stirring constantly, until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy spinach sauce. Add a little pasta water if needed to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
6. Add Parmesan Cheese:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
7. Season and Serve:
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or bell peppers.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella for a unique flavor.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
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