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Creamy 20-Minute Spinach Pasta

A close-up of creamy spinach pasta tossed in a white bowl, topped with grated cheese.
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Make this creamy spinach pasta for a satisfying dinner that comes together fast. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
  3. Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches. Cook until the spinach wilts down completely, stirring often.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low.
  5. Add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
  6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, if using. Continue stirring until the sauce is fully combined and creamy.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
  8. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute half the vegetable broth with heavy cream.
  • Add cooked, shredded chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal.
  • Use fresh spinach only; frozen spinach releases too much water and can thin the sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/creamy-20-minute-spinach-pasta-recipe/