Description

This Creamy Spinach Pasta is a quick and delicious dish featuring tender pasta coated in a luscious homemade Parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it combines simple ingredients to create a rich and flavorful pasta that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Seasonings

½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon mustard powder
¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce

4 tablespoons salted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup half and half (half milk, half cream)
3 teaspoons lemon juice
¾ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated from a block
1 ½ cups fresh spinach

Pasta

½ pound ziti rigati (penne can also be used)

Instructions

Prep Work: Heat salted water in a large pot to boil the pasta while measuring out all ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process, as the recipe progresses quickly.
Cook the Pasta: Add the ziti rigati pasta to the boiling salted water at the same time you start the sauce. Follow the package instructions to cook the pasta until al dente, being careful not to overcook. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside.
Start the Sauce: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the salted butter, allowing it to warm for about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue heating until the butter begins to foam and achieve a slight brown color. Occasionally lift the pan and swirl the butter to prevent burning.
Create a Roux: Increase the heat to medium and whisk in the all-purpose flour. Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it reaches a darker brown hue and loses the raw flour smell, about 2 minutes, forming a roux that adds depth to the sauce.
Add Liquid Ingredients: Slowly add the chicken broth in small splashes to the roux while stirring constantly to integrate the broth smoothly. Then gradually stir in the half and half, ensuring the sauce remains smooth and creamy throughout.
Season the Sauce: Mix in the dried oregano, parsley, mustard powder, garlic powder, and lemon juice, stirring well to blend the flavors.
Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Add the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt gently in the sauce, creating a vibrant and flavorful addition.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy spinach sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the sauce. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your creamy spinach pasta.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is ideal to prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Adjust the lemon juice to taste; it adds brightness to the creamy sauce.
Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby spinach or kale, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: creamy spinach pasta, homemade pasta sauce, Parmesan pasta, spinach pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, garlic butter sauce pasta